My son Eitan was seriously injured in Lebanon on November 19, 2024. He was taken to Rabin Medical Center, where the trauma team, led by Dr. Ilan Shreier and Dr. Rotem Ayalon, operated on him immediately. After spending a month in the surgical ward under excellent care, Eitan moved to the rehab unit at Rabin Medical Center. This unit was set up shortly after the war began in October 2023 to help soldiers and war casualties recover physically and emotionally. The unit is headed by Dr. Michael Bahar and his team.

During his treatment, the plastic surgery team, headed by Dr. Aviad Katz, performed a non-surgical, state-of-the-art skin graft to close the large wound on Eitan's leg. The procedure, known as Rejenerra, has had great success.

Eitan shared a room with his friend, who was also injured. Having each other for support made a big difference in their recovery.

Eitan’s day starts with Shacharit and breakfast. Each day, he follows a schedule of therapy sessions, including:

• Physical Therapy: Focused on strengthening his core and improving his range of motion, especially because of his abdominal injuries and a deep leg wound.
• Occupational Therapy: Helping him improve his fine motor skills. Shrapnel was removed from his dominant left arm, and the therapist gave him a keyboard to practice on. Playing the piano not only aids his recovery but also keeps him engaged.
• Speech Therapy: Since shrapnel is lodged in his jaw and cannot be removed without risk, a speech therapist helps him improve his ability to open his mouth wider.
• Social Work Sessions: Both individual and group sessions with other soldiers provide emotional support. As the daily Jewish prayer says, “Healing of the soul and healing of the body.”

Eitan’s therapy usually ends by 1 p.m., giving him time for lunch and rest after a busy morning. Now that he’s feeling stronger, he’s been seeing visitors and has even started taking a college course to keep himself busy and motivated.

Eitan’s determination, along with the support of the staff and his friends, shows his incredible strength and hope for recovery.