Personal trainer Shani Hadar, 35, and Baruch Cohen, 72, a former paratrooper, probably didn’t have much in common before October 7. But on that day, both their lives were saved at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem after being close to death. Both have been undergoing rehabilitation at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus.
Hadar had planned to dance in the backdrop of the sunrise at the Nova Music Festival, but as soon as she stepped foot out of her car, Hamas began attacking. She subsequently fought for her life for over 12 hours, being shot twice in the arm in the process. In hiding, she had no food and little water.
“From the moment I arrived at Hadassah, the medical team gave me a warm welcome,” said Hadar. “I thank G-d for guiding me to the right place and the right people.”
As head of security at Kibbutz Magen, Cohen, along with his kibbutz’s security unit, fought off Hamas terrorists until he was struck by an RPG missile and lost his leg. He nearly bled to death.
“During the time that I’ve been at Hadassah, I feel at home,” Cohen said. “Such a warm place that keeps you and makes you feel good.”
Hadassah focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of both physical and emotional wounds to get patients back to functioning.
“Since October 7, we’ve been going through a major crisis in terms of mental health,” said the Hadassah Medical Organization's Dr. Shiri Ben-David, who leads a team of 120 psychologists. “Huge amounts of people suffer from trauma from so many points of view.”
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