Ten years later: How an Israeli surgeon saved three lives in on Yom Kippur - opinion
Would any Israeli doctor ever give up the privilege of helping to secure a place for a patient in the Book of Life on Yom Kippur?
A decade has passed since the Yom Kippur night of 2016, a night that remains vivid in my memory. The Grinfeld family, along with many other Israelis, had taken advantage of the Jewish holidays to embark on a vacation. They had chosen Georgia, a country known for its affordability and rich history, to spend their time. Noa, Hanoch, and their four children – Yiftach, Ahinoam, Ivri, and Nevo – were looking forward to exploring the beautiful Caucasus Mountains, as well as experiencing their vibrant Jewish community.
Their adventure took a tragic turn when they became stranded on a treacherous road, the Abano Pass, which is notorious for its perilous conditions. Hanoch, the family's driver, was driving the rented four-wheel-drive vehicle at a slow pace of 10 km per hour due to the poor visibility. As the jeep began to slide off the narrow path, it plummeted into a ravine 80 meters deep.
Hanoch initially thought he was dead, but amidst the cold, darkness, and silence, he heard Yiftach's voice calling for his father. Ivri was also unresponsive.
Hanoch managed to climb out of the ravine and spotted headlights in the distance, giving him hope. With no common language between them, he managed to convey the situation to the Georgians. The family was then airlifted to Tbilisi, where they received medical care. However, Noa's condition required specialized treatment that was only available in Israel.
In a desperate attempt, a family friend contacted a US medical transport company, VitalOne, which agreed to undertake the rescue. Despite numerous bureaucratic and diplomatic hurdles, including navigating the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Authority, Transport Ministry, and Prime Minister's Office, the team managed to secure permission and resources.
The rescue team included pilots, a medical team, a plane, and 1,000 gallons of fuel. They had to ensure that Noa's cervical spine, which was detached, could be safely transported. An orthopedic surgeon in Georgia was consulted, who agreed to the transfer under certain conditions. Despite the challenges, including the closure of Ben-Gurion Airport on Yom Kippur, the team was able to transport Noa and Yiftach to Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center, where they received the advanced medical care they needed.
The entire rescue operation was made possible by the dedication and resourcefulness of numerous individuals, with some even walking, cycling, or using ambulances to reach the hospital.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
