Baruch Rofeh Cholim – When Givati Brigade Captain Ziv [ben Margalit] Shilon opened his eyes in Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center on Wednesday, 8 Cheshvan 5773, his first question was “how am I going to play soccer?” He then asked for a bottle of Cola.

Since the attack, which occurred early Tuesday morning, Ziv was operated on twice. Unfortunately surgeons had to amputate his left hand and they performed a second operation to save his right. Doctors report his condition as being “stable” adding he is no longer in life-threatening danger. IDF Southern District Commander Major-General Tal Russo visited the young officer on Wednesday.

Channel 10 News reports that Ziv recognized the senior commander immediately and saluted him with his left arm.

Dr. Moti Klein, who heads the hospital’s intensive care services, confirms Ziv was also injured in his face, adding the protective flak jacket and helmet he wore saved his life. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke with his mother, Margalit, wishing her well and extended his best wishes to her wounded son.

Ziv told family members that he remembers the blast, and even remembers telling the medic “Put on a tourniquet for my hand or I’m dead!”

Ziv asked his brother to make sure to take his photograph and distribute to the media so his soldiers can know he is alive and recuperating.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)