What are the odds of surviving not one, but two life-threatening events in the span of a week? This is the astonishing story of a young IDF soldier whose resilience and sheer will to live were tested like never before.

N., a 24-year-old combat soldier, found himself at Soroka Medical Center recovering from surgery to stabilize his hand and leg, just days before a direct Iranian missile struck the very hospital he was in. It’s hard to imagine a more chaotic scenario: injured in combat, unable to escape to safety during a siren, and then enduring the aftermath of a missile explosion while still in his hospital bed.

“The impact was right next to us,” he recalled, his voice trembling as he recounted that fateful moment. “The building shook, ceiling parts fell, windows shattered. It was terrifying; everything was smoking, but we made it through.”

Just a week prior, on the Friday when the conflict with Iran erupted, N. was already facing his own battle. While on a mission in Gaza’s Jabaliya, he was ambushed by terrorists, enduring brutal close-range gunfire that left him wounded in the abdomen, right leg, and left hand. “It’s a miracle the shots missed vital organs,” he reflected, emphasizing the sheer luck that had kept him alive. The bullet in his hand narrowly missed a nerve, and the one in his leg grazed by the knee, highlighting the thin line between life and death he was walking.

Evacuated to Soroka in critical condition, N. underwent immediate surgeries to save his life. But just when it seemed like he was on the path to recovery, disaster struck again when the missile hit, igniting a fire on the hospital's sixth floor. “They carried us out on stretchers because I couldn’t use the stairs,” he shared, revealing the logistical nightmare the explosion created.

Due to extensive damage from the missile strike, Soroka had to reduce its patient load, sending some home and transferring others, including N., to Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Dr. Koren Dotan, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Sourasky, noted that N. was admitted to the orthopedic ward in the hospital’s fortified underground complex, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict outside.

Recently transferred to the young adults’ rehabilitation unit, N. faced yet another surgery on his hand, with additional procedures looming on the horizon. “We’re focusing on restoring function to his left hand and gradually starting walking rehabilitation through physiotherapy and occupational therapy,” Dotan explained, as N. navigates this challenging path.

What makes this story even more poignant is N.’s background as a lone soldier from the U.S. Having made aliyah to Israel three years ago, he quickly joined his two older brothers who had arrived before him. After studying in a yeshiva, he enlisted in the IDF at 18 through a specialized program for olim, committing to 18 months of service. “I always wanted to live in Israel,” he said with a sense of pride. “At 18, I didn’t think about it twice—I had to enlist to be part of the nation.” Since the onset of the war in Gaza, he fought courageously in the Strip for months, choosing combat over an intelligence role because of his commitment to protect and serve.

Even after being discharged and spending a month hospitalized, N. maintains an indomitable spirit as he begins recovery with his mother, who flew in from the U.S. shortly after his injury. He glides around in a wheelchair, a glimmer of humor shining through as he proudly displays a “new driver” sign crafted by his brother. “It’s great having my mom here,” he said with a genuine smile. “The hospital staff has been amazing and we’re so grateful.”

Despite the hurdles he faces, N. is not losing sight of his dreams. He plans to study at university and settle in Israel while focusing on his recovery. “I’ve got time,” he reassured, embodying a level of optimism that inspires those around him. “Right now, it’s about healing.”