What began in the corridors of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus—between Avital, a young National Service volunteer, and Staff Sergeant Yehuda, a severely wounded soldier—blossomed into a love story that touched the entire medical team.
A Center of Healing and Hope
The GRC was established to help patients regain lost abilities and return to life strengthened. Since its rapid opening during the war, over 2,000 civilians and soldiers have undergone intensive rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, speech therapy, psychological support, and complementary medicine.
Enter Yehuda, a 22-year-old IDF soldier from Jerusalem, who came to the GRC after suffering severe burns during an operation in Gaza. “We entered a building rigged with explosives,” he recalls. “When the device detonated, I collapsed instantly—everything was on fire”.
Yehuda endured burns to his arms, face, and leg, a head injury, and loss of consciousness before being rescued by a comrade. After initial treatment at Hadassah Hospital-Ein Kerem, Yehuda was transferred to Mount Scopus for rehabilitation.
The Road to Recovery
Dr. Sheer Shabbat, senior specialist in physical and rehabilitation medicine at the GRC, explains that Yehuda’s recovery focused on wound healing, pain management, and restoring basic mobility. Occupational therapy was key, helping him relearn daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing and cooking, through simulated environments like an apartment, supermarket, and even a driving simulator.
A Chance Encounter
Avital Schmeltz, 21, made aliya from the U.S. in 2023 and volunteered for National Service, assisting evacuees from the Gaza and northern border regions before joining Hadassah Hospital’s ’s Occupational Therapy Unit. “I was nervous at first, but I connected with the staff and felt I was making an impact,” she says.
Among the patients was Yehuda. Their first meeting was by chance, but conversations grew longer, and a bond formed. “What began in hospital corridors became a story that touched everyone,” Avital shares. Their shared values deepened the connection—Yehuda was surprised to learn Avital was religious, and curiosity turned into friendship.
From Friendship to Love
As Yehuda prepared for discharge, he asked Avital if they could keep in touch. “I panicked at first,” she admits, but later messaged him. One date led to many, and soon marriage was on the horizon. “I realized he’s the one—he makes me laugh, and I feel safe with him,” Avital says. After five months of dating, they got engaged, bringing joy to their families and the Hadassah team.
A New Chapter
Today, Yehuda has regained full function and plans to work in carpentry. Avital reflects: “Now I return to the department as the wife of a former patient—it’s very special.” Dr. Shabbat, who attended their wedding, calls their story inspiring: “Avital is warm and dedicated, and Yehuda is truly the finest of our country.”
Sometimes, what seems like a setback becomes a blessing. For Yehuda and Avital, rehabilitation was not just about healing—it was the beginning of a lifelong journey together.