IDF Veteran Rebuilds Life Two Years After Hebron Ramming Attack
Nearly two years after losing his leg in a vehicular terrorist attack at an IDF checkpoint near Hebron, Ofir Engelsman reflects on his recovery, family life, and resilience.
Nearly two years after losing his leg in a terrorist attack at an IDF checkpoint near Hebron, Ofir Engelsman continues a rigorous rehabilitation journey, balancing family life, recovery, and a renewed outlook on meaning and resilience.
The Incident at the Hebron Checkpoint
The event occurred on a winter Saturday night when Engelsman and his reserve unit comrades were conducting an operational activity on the outskirts of Hebron. While Engelsman and another soldier set up a roadblock, a vehicle sped rapidly toward them. Engelsman attempted to take cover behind a concrete barrier while his fellow soldier prepared his weapon, but the car struck Engelsman instantly.
"My leg was severed on the spot. In the first seconds, I didn't know what was happening or whether I was alive," Engelsman recounts. "I was suspended between accepting death and making efforts to save myself. After a few seconds, I realized I was still alive and felt a burning sensation from my leg. I looked to the side and saw it lying on the ground, but my brain hadn't fully processed it."
Survival and Immediate Aftermath
The terrorist fled the scene and was subsequently captured, with an additional explosive device recovered from his vehicle. Engelsman dragged himself toward shelter and stripped off his gear to allow medical personnel to treat him upon their arrival.
Following the attack, Engelsman underwent multiple surgeries and spent nearly a year in rehabilitation at Sheba Medical Center, followed by another year at Ichilov Hospital. As a husband and father of four, he initially worried about how to break the news to his young children. When they arrived at the hospital, he greeted them by hopping on one foot to ease their anxiety.
Finding Purpose and Resilience
Engelsman emphasizes that despite the physical and mental hurdles, he focuses on gratitude for surviving the attack. He has launched a personal website to share his journey, document his recovery, and remind others that setbacks can be overcome.
"I fell physically in the injury, but even when you fall, you can rise. This statement applies to any kind of fall: spiritual or mental. Everyone experiences falls in life, and with a lot of strength, you can lift yourself back up."
Looking forward, Engelsman remains committed to spending more quality time with his family, engaging in community projects such as planting a grove in memory of a fallen comrade, and exploring future aspirations with his children.
