As Director of Surgery at Hadassah Hospital, Prof. Alon Pikarsky is one of its busiest individuals – particularly during wartime.
"In the past months, we've conducted numerous surgeries on soldiers and civilians. On October 7 alone, we operated on an astonishing 70 wounded individuals who arrived in helicopters, one after another, all in critical condition necessitating immediate surgical intervention."
Among the many wounded, one story stands out vividly – Shai, an engineer soldier in the reserves, who arrived at Hadassah a few weeks after the war's outbreak. Shai had been injured by a massive explosion during an incident in Gaza, airlifted to Ein Karem in extremely critical condition, with his life hanging in the balance.
"His life was hanging by a thread," recalls Prof. Pikarsky. "The treatment that saved him began in the helicopter and continued in our operating rooms and the general intensive care unit. After being placed on a ventilator and sedated, we explained to his family that the next few days were crucial. For days and nights, we stood vigil by his bedside, alongside his anxious wife who had given birth to their daughter just two months prior. She clung to every shred of hope, refusing to leave his side."
After a week of intensive treatment, Shai's condition stabilised, and he woke up. "I sensed his fighting spirit when he was under anaesthesia and on a ventilator, and when he woke up and returned to us, I got to know him even better," says Prof. Pikarsky.
Shai was transferred to the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Mount Scopus, where he continues his recovery and rehabilitation. "When I visited him there, it was an incredibly moving moment. Shai tearfully thanked me for everything, but I told him that it was us who should be thanking him and his fellow fighters. It's a huge privilege for me to care for these individuals who give their all for the country. Throughout my career, I've seen many patients who've managed to overcome severe injuries, but Shai is truly exceptional. This young man, whom I'll likely never forget, managed to surprise even me, and that's truly remarkable."