Stories of Recovery
Or
A terrible car accident nearly claimed the life of Or. His body was crushed, his heart stopped, and doctors called his survival a miracle. He spent three months undergoing intensive rehabilitation including physiotherapy and occupational therapy at Loewenstein’s Brain Trauma Rehabilitation Unit. There were entire days when even lifting his head off the bed required enormous effort.
Then came the moment that changed everything: the first time Or stood by the stove in the therapeutic kitchen. His hands were shaky, but he managed to make pancakes, and he felt something awaken. From the moment he sensed a connection to the kitchen, his occupational therapists encouraged him to pursue this direction. Week after week, Or would hobble on his crutches across the road to the adjacent supermarket to buy fresh fish and other ingredients, so that he could cook and embrace life again.
Or began to be creative, and found the strength to bring joy to others through his cooking. Today, Or works as a sous-chef at the prestigious Domo restaurant in Kiryat Haim. He walks, he cooks, and pours his heart into every dish. He is a living testament to determination, courage, and true rehabilitation.
Then came the moment that changed everything: the first time Or stood by the stove in the therapeutic kitchen. His hands were shaky, but he managed to make pancakes, and he felt something awaken. From the moment he sensed a connection to the kitchen, his occupational therapists encouraged him to pursue this direction. Week after week, Or would hobble on his crutches across the road to the adjacent supermarket to buy fresh fish and other ingredients, so that he could cook and embrace life again.
Or began to be creative, and found the strength to bring joy to others through his cooking. Today, Or works as a sous-chef at the prestigious Domo restaurant in Kiryat Haim. He walks, he cooks, and pours his heart into every dish. He is a living testament to determination, courage, and true rehabilitation.
C'
C', a 20-year-old combat soldier from the Haruv Reconnaissance Unit, was critically wounded in the head and neck by terrorist gunfire in Jenin. He lost the ability to speak, to breathe on his own, and most of the function in his right hand.
But one thing was not lost: his passion for music. Before the injury, he had spent his free time teaching himself to play the guitar, note by note, chord by chord. And now, he refused to give up that dream.
When he began rehabilitation at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, he joined a unique program that no other hospital offers, entitled The Guitar Project. In partnership with the Belev Echad Foundation, the program offers weekly guitar lessons to injured soldiers, using music as a therapeutic tool that connects the body, heart, and soul.
Through the act of strumming on the guitar, C. learned how to move his right hand again. In the sessions, he also began to speak again. These weekly meetings became the highlight of his week. He looked forward to these moments where he could play, as they helped him rebuild his life. Today, he continues to receive outpatient care, needs only one crutch to stand, speaks more clearly and plays with a passion.
But one thing was not lost: his passion for music. Before the injury, he had spent his free time teaching himself to play the guitar, note by note, chord by chord. And now, he refused to give up that dream.
When he began rehabilitation at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, he joined a unique program that no other hospital offers, entitled The Guitar Project. In partnership with the Belev Echad Foundation, the program offers weekly guitar lessons to injured soldiers, using music as a therapeutic tool that connects the body, heart, and soul.
Through the act of strumming on the guitar, C. learned how to move his right hand again. In the sessions, he also began to speak again. These weekly meetings became the highlight of his week. He looked forward to these moments where he could play, as they helped him rebuild his life. Today, he continues to receive outpatient care, needs only one crutch to stand, speaks more clearly and plays with a passion.
P'
P', 38 years old, served in Battalion 9 of the 401st Armored Brigade. Though exempt from serving in the reserves in recent years, following October 7, he volunteered, and served 230 days.
After a brief return home to help his wife care for their five children and to try and rebuild their home and business, he was called up for a third round of combat, in which his tank was hit by a missile. A severe blow to his head shattered his helmet, causing heavy bleeding. He was airlifted to Soroka Medical Center with shrapnel wounds in his hands, shoulder, and neck, where he experienced nausea and dizziness due to head trauma.
P. was later transferred to the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Department at Loewenstein, where his treatment team focused on restoring movement in his hand and shoulder and managing the dizziness that disrupted his daily life.
Beyond the physical rehabilitation, P. was deeply appreciative of the supportive environment, which included a special social club for combat soldiers, complete with activities and evening treats, and a devoted team of nurses who made every effort to provide a warm, family-like atmosphere, so that no soldier ever felt alone.
After a brief return home to help his wife care for their five children and to try and rebuild their home and business, he was called up for a third round of combat, in which his tank was hit by a missile. A severe blow to his head shattered his helmet, causing heavy bleeding. He was airlifted to Soroka Medical Center with shrapnel wounds in his hands, shoulder, and neck, where he experienced nausea and dizziness due to head trauma.
P. was later transferred to the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Department at Loewenstein, where his treatment team focused on restoring movement in his hand and shoulder and managing the dizziness that disrupted his daily life.
Beyond the physical rehabilitation, P. was deeply appreciative of the supportive environment, which included a special social club for combat soldiers, complete with activities and evening treats, and a devoted team of nurses who made every effort to provide a warm, family-like atmosphere, so that no soldier ever felt alone.
Yahli
Yahli, one of three brothers, began experiencing speech problems and frequent falls, which worried both him and his family. He underwent a series of tests at Schneider Children's Medical Center, resulting in the diagnosis of a rare condition requiring brain surgery.
Following the operation, Yahli was admitted to the Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Department at Loewenstein to begin his recovery. The physiotherapy and occupational therapy led to significant neurological and functional progress.
Over the course of several weeks, his reading, writing, and speech clarity also improved. Toward the end of his hospitalization, he was successfully reintegrated into his regular school class with the support of a teaching assistant.
By the time Yahli was discharged, he was independent, and able to perform advanced motor tasks such as running, jumping, and skipping — all with confidence and control.
Yahli, we are so proud of your journey, and we wish you continued progress in leaps and bounds.
Following the operation, Yahli was admitted to the Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Department at Loewenstein to begin his recovery. The physiotherapy and occupational therapy led to significant neurological and functional progress.
Over the course of several weeks, his reading, writing, and speech clarity also improved. Toward the end of his hospitalization, he was successfully reintegrated into his regular school class with the support of a teaching assistant.
By the time Yahli was discharged, he was independent, and able to perform advanced motor tasks such as running, jumping, and skipping — all with confidence and control.
Yahli, we are so proud of your journey, and we wish you continued progress in leaps and bounds.
Shlomi
The life of Shlomi, 46 years old and a father of three, turned upside down in a single moment. In the middle of the night, he woke up with a tingling sensation in the left side of his body. When he tried to stand, he collapsed to the floor. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with a stroke.
Paralysed in the left side of his body, Shlomi was admitted to Neurological Rehabilitation Department. Since then, he has undergone an intensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation process. He has received physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, psychological support, and even lessons on mindfulness. Shlomi has chosen to take full advantage of every opportunity the Center has offered him.
Together with his occupational therapist, he has made meaningful progress. They have worked together to develop customized assistive tools, including a device for washing cups and cutlery, a bathing aid, and a nail-clipping tool. To help release the tension accumulated in his body, Shlomi has also undergone psychological therapy and movement-based group sessions, which, in his view, have worked wonders for both body and mind.
Paralysed in the left side of his body, Shlomi was admitted to Neurological Rehabilitation Department. Since then, he has undergone an intensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation process. He has received physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, psychological support, and even lessons on mindfulness. Shlomi has chosen to take full advantage of every opportunity the Center has offered him.
Together with his occupational therapist, he has made meaningful progress. They have worked together to develop customized assistive tools, including a device for washing cups and cutlery, a bathing aid, and a nail-clipping tool. To help release the tension accumulated in his body, Shlomi has also undergone psychological therapy and movement-based group sessions, which, in his view, have worked wonders for both body and mind.
Petko
On that terrible Saturday, October 7th, in Sderot, Petko, a brave security guard, received a call about a suspected break-in at the neighborhood supermarket. On his way there, he heard gunfire and saw a pickup truck filled with terrorists. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he encountered worshippers leaving a synagogue and warned them to take cover. Then, he made a bold decision that cost him heavily: he decided to ram his small Kia Picanto into the terrorists' vehicle, knowing his chances of survival were slim. Before he could act, he was shot in the head.
For 40 minutes, he lay bleeding but conscious until people found him and saved his life. Petko spent 45 days in a medically induced coma on a ventilator.
When he arrived at the Intensive Care and Consciousness Rehabilitation Unit, his arms and legs were nearly paralyzed, and his memory was severely impaired. Through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and psychological support, he gradually regained strength and began recovering both motor and cognitive functions. We wish our hero Petko continued strength and a full recovery.
For 40 minutes, he lay bleeding but conscious until people found him and saved his life. Petko spent 45 days in a medically induced coma on a ventilator.
When he arrived at the Intensive Care and Consciousness Rehabilitation Unit, his arms and legs were nearly paralyzed, and his memory was severely impaired. Through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and psychological support, he gradually regained strength and began recovering both motor and cognitive functions. We wish our hero Petko continued strength and a full recovery.
A'
A', is a patrol officer in the Israel Police. He was seriously injured in a car- ramming attack, sustaining injuries to his head, legs, and arm. He began his rehabilitation journey at Loewenstein's Orthopedic Rehabilitation Department while still using a wheelchair.
A. underwent an intensive rehabilitation process that included physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, pony-assisted therapy, and emotional support. From his very first day at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, his physiotherapist, May, played a key role in his recovery. He showed incredible determination, never missing a session, pushing himself to the limit, and training in every possible way to maximize his healing. He was an inspiration not only to the staff but also to other patients. He would tell them all again and again: "Make the most of what you've been given."
After eight long and challenging months of rehabilitation, A. completed his treatment at Loewenstein and moved on, stronger and full of inspiration. With your determination, A., we know you will continue to grow stronger every day.
A. underwent an intensive rehabilitation process that included physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, pony-assisted therapy, and emotional support. From his very first day at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, his physiotherapist, May, played a key role in his recovery. He showed incredible determination, never missing a session, pushing himself to the limit, and training in every possible way to maximize his healing. He was an inspiration not only to the staff but also to other patients. He would tell them all again and again: "Make the most of what you've been given."
After eight long and challenging months of rehabilitation, A. completed his treatment at Loewenstein and moved on, stronger and full of inspiration. With your determination, A., we know you will continue to grow stronger every day.
Tia
In July 2024, a rocket struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams during a children's soccer game. The devastating attack claimed the lives of 12 children and injured many others. Eleven-year-old Tia, a member of the local girls' soccer team, was among the most severely injured. She suffered a head injury, shrapnel wounds, bleeding in the lungs, and complex fractures requiring multiple surgeries and over two weeks of sedation.
Three months later, Tia was transferred to the Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Department at Loewenstein where she began comprehensive rehabilitation. In addition to medical treatments, she benefited from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other treatments. She also attended classes at the hospital school, which helps patients maintain their academic level while serving as an emotional and social anchor. According to her mother, the support of medical, educational, and rehabilitation staff, along with the strong bonds between patients' families, were all conducive to Tia's healing process.
Tia has regained her physical and cognitive abilities and remains a joyful child who likes sports and still dreams of playing professional soccer one day. Tia, may the sky be the limit.
Tia has regained her physical and cognitive abilities and remains a joyful child who likes sports and still dreams of playing professional soccer one day. Tia, may the sky be the limit.
Kira
One morning, Kira awoke to a terrifying reality: she had lost the ability to speak, write, walk, or feel her body. A medical diagnosis revealed a complex neurological condition, and she was referred to our Oncology Rehabilitation Department at Loewenstein.
During an intensive and challenging rehabilitation period, Kira slowly regained sensation and relearned basic functions such as speaking, writing, and walking. But for Kira, that wasn’t enough. She felt a deep need to reconnect with her greatest passion and preserve an essential part of her identity as a ceramics teacher.
She brought her own pottery wheel to the hospital and began working with clay again, even offering to teach pottery making to members of the medical staff and anyone else who was interested. This allowed her to continue practicing and strengthening her own physical abilities. Artmaking became a powerful part of her rehabilitation; it contributed to her physical recovery, vitality, and restored her confidence in her abilities. The staff embraced and encouraged Kira’s initiative as it enabled Kira to reconnect with herself and gradually return to her active and fulfilling life.
During an intensive and challenging rehabilitation period, Kira slowly regained sensation and relearned basic functions such as speaking, writing, and walking. But for Kira, that wasn’t enough. She felt a deep need to reconnect with her greatest passion and preserve an essential part of her identity as a ceramics teacher.
She brought her own pottery wheel to the hospital and began working with clay again, even offering to teach pottery making to members of the medical staff and anyone else who was interested. This allowed her to continue practicing and strengthening her own physical abilities. Artmaking became a powerful part of her rehabilitation; it contributed to her physical recovery, vitality, and restored her confidence in her abilities. The staff embraced and encouraged Kira’s initiative as it enabled Kira to reconnect with herself and gradually return to her active and fulfilling life.
Tchiya
Tchiya, 22 years old, was seriously injured in a head-on car crash She was rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries, including shattered bones in her leg, pelvis, chest, and spine, along with a blood clot in her lung. Initial prognoses were grim, and doctors were uncertain whether she would ever walk again.
After undergoing two complex surgeries and stabilization of her leg and pelvis, she began her rehabilitation at Loewenstein’s Orthopedic Outpatinient Department. She underwent a demanding rehabilitation process, focused on regaining strength, improving daily functioning, and learning to adapt to her new physical limitations.
Her time at Loewenstein was painful and challenging, but also deeply meaningful and filled with positive experiences. Despite the challenges, she formed close bonds with fellow patients and was surrounded by a warm, dedicated professional team. Tchiya says that Loewenstein’s excellent facilities, extremely dedicated staff, and warm environment make it "the best place in the world."
After undergoing two complex surgeries and stabilization of her leg and pelvis, she began her rehabilitation at Loewenstein’s Orthopedic Outpatinient Department. She underwent a demanding rehabilitation process, focused on regaining strength, improving daily functioning, and learning to adapt to her new physical limitations.
Her time at Loewenstein was painful and challenging, but also deeply meaningful and filled with positive experiences. Despite the challenges, she formed close bonds with fellow patients and was surrounded by a warm, dedicated professional team. Tchiya says that Loewenstein’s excellent facilities, extremely dedicated staff, and warm environment make it "the best place in the world."