Alon Ohel, one of the released hostages that was treated at Rabin Medical Center's Returning Hostage Ward, returned to the hospital this week for a series of complicated and delicate surgeries involving both his eye and shoulder.

Alon suffered multiple injuries during his kidnapping in Gaza, including the loss of sight in one eye.

Dr. Irit Bahar, Head of the Opthalmology Department and Dr. Assaf Dotan, Head of the Retina Unit, performed the surgery.

Dr. Bahar said, “We performed a complex and unusual eye surgery today that should have been done two years ago; however, Alon was then a hostage in Gaza, in very harsh conditions, without medical care, without sunlight, and in a state of starvation. When we realized in recent days that there might still be a chance to save the eye, it was a very emotional and hopeful moment. The surgery was successful, and in the coming days, we will know the extent of the improvement in his vision.”

The hospital admitted that this was one of the most difficult and complicated surgeries they had experienced in years. The fact that this surgery should have been performed over two years ago, and that Ohel was in horrible conditions with no medical care, sunlight or proper food, made this surgery particularly difficult.

However, the hospital is committed to the long-term treatment and rehabilitation of all the returning hostages, and believes that despite these setbacks, that Ohel can regain his vision.

The hospital stated, “Alon underwent two important surgeries today as part of his ongoing rehabilitation process. The hospital staff continues to support him and his family closely, and we hope to see further improvement in his functioning and quality of life in the near future.”