Teenager Killed, Dozens Injured by Unexploded Ordnance Near Lebanon Border

A teenager, identified as Yair Wilensky, was killed on Monday by an unexploded ordnance detonation while on a three-day "Israel Trail" hike near the Lebanon border. Yair, the youngest of five siblings, was described by his family as a "child of life, smart and wise, full of joy, a good and beloved friend, whose entire future was still ahead of him." He is survived by his parents, three sisters, and a brother. Yair Wilensky, whose full name was Elazar Yair, was a competitive fencer and was among the best in his age group in Israel two years ago. His brother, Dov Wilensky, is a top saber fencer considered an Olympic hopeful.

The incident occurred in the Ramim Ridge area, specifically near Mitzpe Par in the Upper Galilee, where the students had stopped for a meal. The group, from the Orot Ma'alot high school, reportedly did not notice a sign warning of unexploded ordnance and prohibiting entry to the area. In addition to Yair's death, three other students were seriously injured, ten were moderately injured, and ten more sustained light injuries.

Medical officials at Rambam Health Care Campus and the Galilee Medical Center described the complex injuries sustained by the students, primarily from blast effects and shrapnel. One teacher, aged 61, underwent surgery and is in serious condition. A teenager with shrapnel in his neck is in moderate condition, and two others are hospitalized in light condition. Dr. Nadav Sleifer, director of pediatric surgery at the Galilee Medical Center, explained that even small pieces of shrapnel can penetrate deeply and damage vital organs. He noted that the first patients were expected to be released the following day, with others requiring several more days of recovery.

Despite the severe injuries, the students displayed remarkable resilience, assisting each other by applying tourniquets and performing CPR. One student even video-called his father for instructions on how to create a tourniquet for a severe leg wound. The hike was an educational trip approved by the Ministry of Education and the Northern Command, with procedures involving a computerized system for trip coordination and safety checks. However, the proximity to the Lebanon border poses a significant risk due to its use as a staging area for IDF forces and potential enemy shelling, increasing the likelihood of unexploded ordnance.

Following the incident, the municipality of Ma'alot-Tarshiha expressed condolences to the family. The article also details the procedures for approving educational trips, emphasizing the importance of adhering to signage and instructions in border areas. The IDF and the Northern Command are responsible for clearing and approving areas for hikers, with warnings posted in dangerous zones. If unexploded ordnance is encountered, the public is instructed to immediately contact emergency services and not to touch or move the object.