President Reuven Rivlin on Monday, 11 Menachem Av, visited with IDF soldiers in various stages of rehabilitation in Tel Hashomer Hospital including soldiers wounded in Operation Protective Edge, Israel’s counter-terrorism operation in Gaza during the summer of 2014.

Mr. Rivlin first met with ten soldiers who were wounded last summer and in various stages of rehabilitation. Mr. Rivlin listened attentively as they explained to him about their injuries and the rehabilitation process.

Mr. Rivlin explained to them that he was only sworn into office after they were injured a year ago, and he came to be with them during these difficult days that they are experiencing personally as well as the nation as a whole. Mr. Rivlin explained that while the nation has moved on, for them, the soldiers in rehab, the war continues as they work to get their lives back, “the war after the war”.

After meeting with the Protective Edge rehab soldiers the president met with other including Sgt. Ohad Ben-Yishai, who was gravely wounded in his head during the battle in Shajaia during the Gaza operation. Mr. Rivlin spoke to the soldier as well as to his parents, hugging them and trying to give them strength as he said “You are proof that we can achieve the unbelievable and I am here for you throughout the entire process”.

The president also met with the medical director of the hospital, Professor Ze’ev Rothstein and his senior entourage as well as members of the rehabilitation unit who work with IDF personnel. “You know better than all of us just how difficult the task is and just how much faith one requires to bring about such a miracle like what we have seen today and turn this into a reality. Thank you all” concluded the president.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)