Dr. Yehuda David, Decorated Combat Doctor and Orthopedic Surgeon, Dies at 73
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Dr. Yehuda David, a decorated combat surgeon and orthopedic specialist who served in multiple Israeli conflicts, died at 73 after a battle with cancer and a failed heart transplant. He was recognized for his bravery under fire during the Second Lebanon War and for exposing alleged deception in the Mohammed al-Dura case. He continued serving in the reserves even while ill.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dr. Yehuda David, a decorated combat surgeon, died at 73.
- He received the Armored Corps Commander's citation for bravery in the Second Lebanon War.
- David was known for his work exposing the Mohammed al-Dura case.
- He continued reserve duty despite battling cancer and serving in the 'Swords of Iron' war.
- He died after a failed heart transplant in the U.S.
Dr. Yehuda David, a distinguished senior orthopedic surgeon, combat doctor, and recipient of the Armored Corps Commander's citation from the Second Lebanon War, passed away on Monday at the age of 73. His death followed a prolonged battle with cancer and a failed heart transplant surgery in the United States. Dr. David, a resident of Yehud, is survived by his wife Natalie, three children, and grandchildren.
Born in Algeria and raised in France, where he received his medical education, Dr. David immigrated to Israel in 1980. He specialized in hand surgery at Shaare Zedek and Sheba hospitals, also earning an international diploma in microsurgery. He served as a reservist Major in the Paratroopers and Nahal brigades.
During the Second Lebanon War, Dr. David served as the physician for the Nahal Brigade's 932nd Battalion. He was awarded the Armored Corps Commander's citation for his unwavering performance, courage, and treatment of the wounded under heavy fire. In recognition of his exceptional service in the war, he was chosen in 2007 to light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl as a representative of the IDF.
Dr. David also gained public attention for exposing what he described as a "deception" behind the case of Mohammed al-Dura, whom he had operated on in Gaza in 1992. The boy's father later claimed he was injured in 2000. This controversy, according to the article, caused significant reputational damage to Israel globally. Dr. David engaged in legal and public relations efforts against the boy's father.
Despite battling cancer for over a decade, Dr. David continued his military reserve service, even after turning 70, including during the "Swords of Iron" war. He underwent a heart transplant in the U.S. in recent months, but his body could not withstand the strain of the surgery.
Former Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan eulogized Dr. David as a close friend, recalling their meeting during a training exercise and their subsequent lifelong friendship. Journalist Ben-Dror Yemini remembered him as "the angel who left us," noting his right-wing political views did not prevent a close friendship with Golan. Shifra Shahar, CEO of the "A Warm Home for Every Soldier" association, where Dr. David served as president, stated that he saved hundreds of soldiers over four decades and that Israel owes him a great debt.
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