In the IDF, a new and particularly exciting reserve unit has begun operating. Critically and severely wounded, disabled IDF soldiers who have rehabilitated, have once again put on uniforms and efforts and are now accompanying the critically and severely wounded for a year.
Aharon Krov (37), a paratrooper officer who was mortally wounded in Operation Cast Lead 15 years ago and became a sergeant due to his amazing rehabilitation, is the deputy commander of the new unit.
The rank of captain is awarded to Aharon Krov, photo: IDF Spokesperson
This is a small unit that belongs to the IDF's casualty division and operates under a new branch that has been established - the branch of escorting IDF wounded and disabled IDF soldiers. The project is called "Continuing Life". Its leader is Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Yariv Lev Ari (51), who was critically injured in a car accident 11 years ago while holding a senior position in the Intelligence Corps.
After fulfilling personal dreams, he had one big and special dream: to establish a reserve unit of severely wounded, rehabilitated disabled people, to accompany and adopt new wounded. He built a special program and started running with the idea.
"I understood how critical it is to establish such a unit in the army with mentors and commitment, with long-term guidance, with providing knowledge on how to deal with a serious injury. To bring order to all this darkness and inspire new wounded."
Aaron, too, felt compelled to get back into uniform. To contribute his inspirational story to other soldiers, to the wounded, to be with them, to accompany them and to give them hope from his wonderful story of rehabilitation. He says that since he was forced to take off his uniform due to his fatal injuries, he has not known rest, only asked to return to the army.
Shortly after the injury,
A month before the war
A year ago, Aharon met Yariv in the army's casualty division and immediately joined the leadership of the new program. Only a month and a half before the war, the plan was presented to the head of the IAEA and other senior military officials, and they approved the plans.
At Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, three-year-old Noam, a soldier in the Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion, was seriously wounded during the fierce fighting on 7 October. He, like an opponent, suffers from amputation of his leg above the knee. Yariv is Noam's personal mentor.
Yariv explains that his unit is structured in such a way that the mentors adopt critically or severely injured patients with the same type of injury as theirs, and thus there is a stronger connection and match between the veteran wounded and the new wounded.
"I feel privileged to have him fight with me," Noam says. "I learn a lot from him, we have soul talks, he directs me. Knowing that he's going with me from now on really calms me down."
Yariv takes Noam for their personal conversation, away from everyone. Hagit, Noam's mother, is thrilled. "Where did this angel come from for us? A lot of nonprofits came to us, lots of good people who just wanted to help after Noam was injured. But out of goodwill, it only confused me. Since an opponent arrived, we are in a different world. It's a great light for us."
Yariv and Noam return. "I'm here, I'm not going anywhere," Yariv says. "I became a mentor to the whole family and it's a great privilege for me. It gives me a lot of strength. We will go through all the steps together. I really do it with all my heart."
A week ago, Aaron was awarded the rank of captain. "The day I put on my uniform again, I was as excited as a child. I'm back in the IDF, I'm contributing again. I was in the same condition as the injured person I am accompanying now. I couldn't speak six months after I was injured and the wounded person I'm accompanying can already speak, so I show him that and it makes him stronger."
New meaning of injury
I ask Aharon what this return to the army gives him, the escort of the wounded. "It makes me crazy stronger. I feel like I have a mission in life. Suddenly I feel that my injury, the one that changed my life, gives me a different meaning now. I can help and give my all to other wounded, and that's why the army needs me. It expands my heart."
Yariv, Aharon and the unit's doctor, Dr. Chen Katz-Even, therapists and other staff members in the unit, have been traveling between the various hospitals for two months, every day, accompanying the many wounded from the war. They devote their entire day and energy to it.
"I did a lot in the army. I was in key positions in intelligence for 27 years, and I feel that this may be the most important job in my life," Yariv explains. Aaron is almost in tears. "Is there anything more important than that? This is a huge summit for me and I just want to give more and more. As much as possible and as much as possible."
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