Reservist Soldier Neriah Leiter Remains Unconscious, Family Sees Progress

Chani Leiter, mother of reservist soldier Neriah Leiter and wife of Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, provided an update on her son's condition on Thursday. Neriah Leiter was critically injured in a September vehicular attack and remains unconscious, though his family perceives progress in his recovery. He was transferred from Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem to Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer for rehabilitation, having been removed from life-threatening danger. Shaare Zedek stated that Neriah, while unconscious, is breathing independently and is undergoing neurological and head trauma rehabilitation.

Chani Leiter described the family's struggle, moving between pain and hope, while emphasizing their efforts to maintain positivity and support each other. She explained the complex situation of caring for an unconscious individual, noting the importance of stimulation, speaking to him, and providing comfort based on accounts from others who have experienced unconsciousness. The family plays music, talks to, and massages Neriah in hopes of aiding his recovery.

Neriah Leiter, a resident of Havat Yair in the Samaria region, is married with four children. His mother shared that the family is trying to maintain normalcy for the children, who understand their father's situation to varying degrees. The extended family is also providing support.

The Leiter family is also coping with the loss of another son, Major (res.) Moshe Yedidiah Leiter, who fell in battle in northern Gaza three years ago. Chani Leiter acknowledged the difficulty of navigating the recent memorial for Moshe Yedidiah alongside Neriah's ongoing recovery. She expressed gratitude for public support and urged continued focus on the good, stating, "This is what we ask of the people of Israel, to see the good because that is what strengthens us."