An ex-IDF soldier inspires recovery and strengthens determination in wounded soldiers during training.

Major Sagi Dovev, who spent 20 years training young soldiers in Israel's military before retiring two years ago, woke up on the morning of October 7, 2023, to a new reality.

Dovev, who is in many WhatsApp groups for professional security, knew exactly what was going on as he witnessed the atrocities broadcast live to social media by Hamas terrorists that day. He knew war had begun.

As Dovev was on his way to base, he received calls from friends informing him that his soldiers had been injured and were being transported to Sheba Medical Center. Upon hearing this news, Dovev immediately turned around and headed to the hospital, where he witnessed helicopters dropping off dozens of wounded soldiers every few minutes.

Dovev couldn't abandon his soldiers, so he stayed with one of them even though he had to undergo surgery to have his leg amputated.

"Since October 7, I have been staying at the hospital to train the soldiers here, as I couldn't leave them behind when I got called back to base for training."

Dovev, a former special operations close combat head trainer in the IDF, has been volunteering at Sheba Hospital for over a year, assisting wounded soldiers in regaining their strength and sense of purpose after being injured in the ongoing war in Gaza.

"It became even more than a job," he explained.

Dovev's social media accounts feature uplifting videos of individuals who have overcome physical and mental challenges resulting from war injuries.

Elisha Medan's story of losing both legs in an explosion that killed four teammates and critically injured four others is shared by him.

Dovev wrote alongside a video of Medan training with him, "Despite his challenges, Medan's spirit remains high and his resilience is strong. He urges us to remain united both within and outside of Israel as we work together to secure a bright future for our country. I sincerely hope to see him leading Israel soon."

Dor Almog, a young soldier who was the only survivor after 21 of his teammates died in a terrorist attack, went from being hooked up to a ventilator after the attack last January to learning to walk again to training in Krav Maga by that summer.

Gaya Zubery, the first female soldier severely wounded in Gaza, is a story of bravery and resilience.

Gaya, who had just completed her training a month and a half ago, suffered severe injuries while attempting to save soldiers from a tank that was hit by an RPG in Saja’iyya. She sustained injuries to both legs and was airlifted in critical condition.

Gaya, who underwent numerous surgeries during five months of rehabilitation, maintained her fighting spirit throughout the process. Her determination and resilience are truly inspiring. Despite never wanting to be a hero, Gaya's desire to save lives remains unwavering. Even after her injury, she says she would do it all over again.

Dovev explained to Planet Chronicle Digital how he began teaching his students how to fight and walk again, despite not having a leg. He taught them how to punch without a leg and control their bodies to adapt to their new bodies. This became a significant accomplishment.

Being elite fighters or professional athletes one day and needing assistance with basic tasks the next made them feel like warriors again. They had to learn to adapt to their new bodies and become resilient once more. And they did.

Sometimes, I offer words of encouragement to unconscious soldiers while sitting by their beds.

"From their lowest point, we begin building it from scratch," Dovev stated, emphasizing that each person's rehabilitation journey can take several months to a year.

Despite the global anti-Israel sentiment following the October 7 attacks, an Israeli man remains committed to supporting soldiers and sharing their stories with the world.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be a contentious topic in the United States, especially on college campuses, where demonstrations occurred at several prestigious institutions during the previous academic year.

Dovev, having witnessed the consequences of war, gave a direct critique of students engaging in anti-Israel demonstrations.

""If any other group was targeted, no one would say, 'it's not a big deal.' But, this is a big deal," Dovev said, emphasizing that ignorance is not an excuse."

He stated that his interactions with students at encampments are limited by their lack of knowledge about the situation. They are unable to identify the location of the river or sea, which is a reference to an antisemitic phrase commonly chanted at protests.

Dovev views the struggle against Hamas as a battle to safeguard not only his own people but also the liberties of the entire western community.

"This country is the only Jewish land, and it is what we are fighting for and dying for. We are fighting for democracy, the Jewish people, and the western world."

"He invited critics of Israel to visit Tel Aviv and witness the difference between Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, and Gaza, where LGBTQ individuals are thrown off the roof in five minutes."

Dovev cautioned Americans against the spread of radicalism in the United States, emphasizing that it has already started in Canada and Europe. He urged them to take action to prevent the growth of Hamas, Hezbollah, and ISIS.

The 15-month war in Gaza may soon come to an end as Israel and Hamas seem to be moving closer to a ceasefire, which could also result in the release of dozens of Israelis held captive, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Both Israel and Hamas are under pressure from outgoing President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to reach a deal before the Jan. 20 inauguration. However, the sides have a history of talks collapsing over various disagreements.

In early December, Trump threatened the Hamas terrorist organization that holds dozens of hostages, including seven Americans, in Gaza. Last week, he was asked about these threats.

According to the Associated Press, Israel estimates that between a third and half of the remaining 100 hostages have died.

Trump stated that "all hell will break out" if the hostages are not freed before he takes office.

The Associated Press and Planet Chronicle' Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.