Although the IDF is in the process of leaving Gaza and all hope and pray that the present ceasefire lasts, for the Iliezrov family of Beer Sheva the pain and anguish are only at beginning stages.

Orel Iliezrov, the 7 year old boy wounded by a missile last week remains in critical condition in Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva. Orel was hit in the head by shrapnel after escaping the family car. As instructed by the Home Front Command, when the siren sounded warning of a launched missile, Orel and his mother Angela left their car and lay down on the ground. Seconds later the missile landed directly on their car. While his mother attempted to protect little Orels body with her own, the shrapnel nonetheless penetrated his skull. Only after noticing that her son was bleeding did she realize that he was indeed injured. Miraculously, Angela herself was not even scratched, though naturally she did suffer from shock. She quickly stopped a passing car which took them to Soroka Hospital, where Angela is employed as a nurse.

His condition is critical. I request that everyone daven for him! said Orels father, Avi, Hes a Tzadik of a child, simply a little angel.

Orels parents made Aliya 11 years ago from Azerbaijan in order to undergo fertility treatments. They had previously attempted treatments in other countries but none had succeeded. Only in Eretz Yisroel did their dream come true, and after 11 years of anticipation, the Iliezrovs were blessed with a child, Orel.

However an additional reason accounted for the familys Aliya: When we were in Azerbaijan, we were looked upon as strangers, as different. Some of the Jews were actually embarrassed of their identity. I wanted my children to be proud of the fact that theyre Jewish and to be able to walk around without any fear.

In order to complete this goal, the Iliezrov family sent their son, Orel to learn in the Shuvu School in Beer Sheva. Besides focusing on high levels of general studies, the Shuvu schools also instill a strong element of Jewish identity and high levels of Limudei Kodesh. It was essential for the family to send Orel to a school which emphasized the Masoret, explained Rav Yehuda Veitman, the schools principal. Orel has attended the Shuvu school since kindergarten and has excelled in all fields. Not only has the family had no problem with the fact that the school is frum, but they actually became excited over their son becoming a Torah observant Jew.

Last year he asked his parents to buy him a pair of Tzitzis. Baruch Hashem, since then he hasnt missed a day wearing them Rav Veitman added.

Orels family is viewing their tragedy in a most spiritual way and is receiving chizuk by Shmiras Mitzvos. Avi has begun to put on Tefillin every day and now wears a Yarmulke as well. Angela has taken upon herself to be Shomeres Shabbos. The family has switched all the mezuzos in their home. Davening is now dominating this previously totally secular familys life. The parents and other family members simply sit in the hospital and daven all day. Several days ago the father requested a Siddur with Russian translation. Then, a request came for a Chumash and for other Seforim. Shuvu immediately complied with their requests and supplied the family with a small Jewish library.

The family is most appreciative of the many visits of the Shuvu staff to the hospital. Even while the schools were closed by law during the war, the principal Rav Veitman made a point of traveling from his home in Arad to Beer Sheva to visit Orel and his family at least twice a day. The rest of the staff are also constantly showing up to the hospital and offering Chizuk to the family. The school staff is practically the only ones permitted into Orels room, besides immediate family. This is not surprising, says Rav Veitman. We too are part of the immediate family of all of our students.

The Shuvu schools spread across Israel are engrossed in intense davening and reciting Tehillim for Orel. They are joined by all of Klal Yisroel in davening for a Refuah Shleima for Orel Ben Angela. May Hashem allow him to recover fully and continue pursuing the Torahdik path which he had so devotedly been following.

(YWN Desk – NYC)