Families Share Harrowing Journeys of Severely Wounded Soldiers
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The families of three severely wounded Israeli soldiers, Ido, Tohar Degah, and Itay Yitzhaki, share their harrowing experiences of combat injuries, extensive surgeries, and the ongoing, uncertain path to recovery. They detail the soldiers' critical conditions, the families' unwavering dedication, and their hopes for future improvement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Three soldiers sustained severe head injuries in combat.
- Families are sharing their difficult journeys of recovery.
- Soldiers remain in critical or minimal consciousness.
- Extensive surgeries and rehabilitation are ongoing.
- Families express hope and determination for their sons' futures.
Two families are sharing their stories of sons who sustained life-altering head injuries during combat, detailing their ongoing struggles and hopes for recovery. Ido, 23, was shot in the head by a sniper near Jabalia while covering a special forces unit entering tunnels to rescue hostages. He has been in minimal consciousness since January 3, 2024, undergoing 22 surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. His parents, Inbal and Ariel, remain dedicated to his recovery, seeking any available treatment.
Tohar Degah, a soldier from the Nahal Brigade, was severely injured on January 13, 2025, when an IDF bomb detonated, causing a building collapse during an operation in Beitunia. He suffered skull fractures and brain hemorrhages, requiring extensive surgery and a long period in critical condition. After months of intensive care and rehabilitation, Tohar has begun to walk with a limp and speak with difficulty, a year and ten months after his injury.
Itay Yitzhaki, also injured in the same incident as Tohar, was initially declared deceased but was found to have a pulse by a persistent doctor. He sustained severe head injuries from an explosion and shrapnel, undergoing six head surgeries and spending weeks on life support. After five months in intensive care, Itay regained consciousness and began moving his fingers, but remains in minimal consciousness, with limited movement and speech. His parents have relocated to a hotel at the hospital to be with him constantly.
Inbal, Ido's mother, described the initial shock and the false hope that his injury was minor, only to realize the long road of rehabilitation ahead. She highlighted his ability to recognize people with his eyes and react to pain, emphasizing their determination to continue fighting for him. The family also established a volunteer initiative called "Mr. Nice" to spread hope and mutual responsibility.
Dror, Itay's father, recounted the surreal experience of being told his son was dead, only for a doctor to discover signs of life. He described the difficult period of uncertainty and the intensive rehabilitation efforts, noting that doctors cannot provide a definitive prognosis but that the family maintains hope and faith in Itay's resilience.
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