Wounded Golani Fighter Returns to Yeshiva After Near-Fatal Injury

More than two years after being critically wounded in Gaza, Golani fighter Yochai Badlov has returned to the Hesder Yeshiva in Yerucham, where he studied before his military service. Badlov, a fighter in the Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion, was shot nine times by terrorists in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood of Gaza in late June 2024, sustaining five penetrating wounds. His condition was critical, and his comrades initially believed he had been killed.

Badlov underwent extensive rehabilitation at the Sheba Medical Center due to severe spinal cord injuries. During a special welcome event at the yeshiva, he shared his thoughts during the moments he believed he was dying. "I understood I had only a few seconds left before death, so I said 'Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad,' and 'Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le'olam Va'ed.' Then I realized I had a few more seconds in the world, and I spoke with the Holy One, Blessed be He: 'Hashem, if you save me, I will dedicate everything I have to charity.' A moment later, I lost consciousness."

He explained his return to the yeshiva as fulfilling a vow, referencing King David's words about repaying God. "I understood that I also need to tell this publicly," Badlov stated, connecting his recitation of "Shema Yisrael" in his final moments to Rabbi Akiva's teachings on loving God with all one's soul.

Badlov also expressed gratitude for the continued support from his yeshiva peers throughout his recovery. "Many of you came to visit me every week. You are responsible for the happy side of my soul." To facilitate his return, the yeshiva renovated an apartment for him to live near the institution and rejoin the study hall.

Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Uriel Eitam praised Badlov's faith and resilience, stating, "From the first moment Yochai was injured, we encountered a scholar of faith, in the Torah of life."