On Israel's Memorial Day Tuesday, May 11, Lieutenant Shachar Ruditi, 22, an officer in Israel’s Homeland Security, was checking a suspicious package north of Jerusalem at the checkpoint called Hizma. The package turned out to be an explosive device and it was set off while Lieutenant Ruditi was still holding it. Nine additional improvised explosive devises (IED's) were later discovered.
Lieutenant Ruditi was rushed to Hadassah Hospital Ein-Kerem. He was evaluated in the Trauma Unit in the Schwartz Center for Emergency Medicine, and moved to the surgical unit in the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower.
Head of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery Prof. Nardi Caspi was in charge of the 12 hour surgery, which also included experts from multiple fields. Lieutenant Ruditi suffered facial fracturem, deep cuts from penetrating shrapnel, and blast damage.
On May 15 Moshe "Bugi" Ya'alon, the Minister of Defense, came to visit Lieutenant Ruditi in his room in the Intensive Care Unit. Unable to speak, because of the bandages and tubes, the two wrote to each other on a white board. Lieutenant Ruditi relayed the terror incident to Minister Ya’alon. "I was very moved to visit this officer," said Minister Ya'alon, who was also briefed by the Hadassah staff on Lieutenant Ruditi's treatment and positive prognosis.
Minister Ya’alon was particularly interested in the expert surgery that took place to save Lieutenant Riditi’s life and restore his facial composition. "What you need now is a long period of rehabilitation. You have excellent doctors and nurses here and such a supportive environment. I am sure your will power, your family and the Hadassah staff will get you back to your life of positive and creative activities." Minister Ya'alon said to Lieutenant Ruditi. He also shared his own military injuries with the Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Shachar Ruditi was released from Hadassah Hospital Ein-Kerem on Monday, May 23 his condition is listed as good and stable. He will continue to recover at home.