From Hospital Bed to Ironman Triathlon

"Today I turn 3! Three years ago today I was critically wounded by a sniper in the Gaza strip, and I'm lucky to be alive. In the field, doctors told me I had half an hour left to live, and thanks to a brave rescue operation I was evacuated to Sheba Medical Center where I was hospitalized for 4 months and underwent many surgeries - several very complex - and I spent another two years in rehabilitation.

"I fought for my quality of life, every single day. Since my life was given to me a second time, I promised myself I wouldn't give up, and I would live my life to the fullest. Last year, the most amazing thing happened - Lavi, our firstborn, came into the world. Our happiness continues to grow day by day.

"Ten years ago, I had a dream: I wanted to participate in an Ironman triathlon by the time I was 30. I imagined that my wife and children would wait for me at the finish line. After I was injured, this thing, the Ironman, didn't seem like a reality anymore. And in fact, a year and a half after the injury, I was told I would never run again.

"Instead of giving up, I became even more motivated. I stayed late after every rehab appointment. And this January, two weeks after my 30th birthday, I participated in the Eilat Ironman (Israman), and I successfully finished after 13 hours. Ofir my wife, our son Lavi, and the entire family waited for me at the finish line. I was overwhelmed by tears - tears of joy, and tears of winning back my life.

"Two weeks ago I came back from a visit to the Jewish community in Canada, where I told my story. This week I came back from a running tour of the mountains in France, and next week I will graduate with honor with my second master's degree, this one from Bar Ilan University. I try to make the most of every passing day, and most of all to help and contribute to those in need. There are several social projects that I initiated that should be launching soon, and of course, I continue to share my story, to encourage others to appreciate life and to overcome any obstacle."

During Operation Protective Edge, Sheba  Medical Center hospitalized and treated around 100 injured soldiers in the wards and in our rehabilitation center. Today, we continue to guide veterans through their rehab processes, and we wish them all good health - and happiness!