Yisrael Ozen, Who Overcame Severe Brain Injury, Dies at 27
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Yisrael Ozen, who sustained severe brain damage at age 17 and faced years of complex medical challenges, has died. His story of resilience and community support, including attending his sister's wedding via a "Make-A-Wish Ambulance," became widely known. His funeral will be held today in Yavne.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yisrael Ozen, who suffered a severe brain injury at 17, has died after years of medical struggle.
- His story of resilience and community support garnered widespread attention and prayers.
- He attended his sister's wedding in 2013 via a "Make-A-Wish Ambulance."
- His funeral is scheduled for today in Yavne.
- He had dreamed of bringing joy to children with disabilities.
Yisrael Ozen, who suffered a severe brain injury at age 17 and battled complex medical issues for years, has passed away. His funeral is scheduled to take place today at 1:30 PM at the Tzufia Cemetery in Yavne.
Ozen's life changed dramatically in 2010 when he was 17. He was found in his home after a serious incident in the bathroom. A neighbor performed CPR until medical teams arrived. Although his pulse and breathing returned after prolonged resuscitation, oxygen deprivation caused severe brain damage. He was hospitalized at Sheba Medical Center and began a long rehabilitation process.
His story garnered widespread attention, with hundreds of people from Yavne and across Israel visiting him, praying for his recovery, and offering support. Even strangers came to the hospital to sit with him, study Torah, and pray. A prayer gathering for him was attended by hundreds of teenagers.
Ozen moved between various medical and rehabilitation facilities, including Beit Levinstein and Reuth Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Despite his condition, he experienced moments of joy, notably in December 2013 when he attended his sister Uria's wedding via "Make-A-Wish Ambulance" from Magen David Adom. He was 20 at the time, in a wheelchair and on a ventilator, but present for his family on their important day.
Before his injury, Ozen was described as a cheerful young man who dreamed of bringing joy to children with disabilities. His family noted his awareness of his surroundings despite his medical state. After years of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and prayers from his community, his long struggle has now ended.