Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem hosted a group of some 50 leaders from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations during a visit the leaders made to Israel last week to assess the conditions in Israel, meet with survivors and families of the hostages, and express their solidarity with the people of Israel.
The hospital visit was facilitated by the Hadassah Offices in Israel and aided by Hadassah President Rhoda Smolow and CEO Naomi Adler, who attended the meetings.
In the hospital’s Abbell Synagogue, the group heard from Itai, a soldier with the IDF Nahal Brigade’s special forces, who sustained serious injuries to his lower leg as his brigade fought off the Hamas terrorists crossing the border from Gaza in the initial attack on October 7. Without backup or clear orders, Itai and the other eight members of his brigade defended themselves against terrorists roaming the area and tended to each other’s wounds until rescuers arrived some hours later.
“We suffered a lot because we were the first ones there to get hit. Our unit suffered a lot. I lost friends, I lost commanders. But right now I am surrounded by a lot of medical staff and people who are talking to me and taking care of me, so I am okay mentally,” he said.
“When I get home, we’ll see,” he added, trailing off.