Surviving October 7 to Help Others

August 8, 2024

by: Gal Ganot ~ Ynetnews

Thursday, 8 August 2024 | In an emotional ceremony last May, Doctor Elai Hogeg Golan, 34, received her medical degree from Ben-Gurion University. During her speech, which moved the audience to tears, she said, “We made it, despite everything. To return to my life, to fulfill a dream that we all dreamed of. We worked very hard to reach this moment.”

Dr. Golan is now on the path to fulfilling her next dream. While undergoing treatments in the rehabilitation department at Sheba Medical Center, she is completing her medical internship, which is set to conclude this October.

She and her family miraculously survived a horrific attack in Kfar Aza on October 7, when terrorists set their home on fire and threw in gas canisters. Despite severe burns and injuries, they managed to escape and hide for hours before being airlifted to the hospital. Golan was the last to regain consciousness, waking up after 51 days.

Reflecting on their survival, Golan expressed survivor’s guilt but emphasized the importance of fighting for the 115 hostages still held captive. Determined to reclaim her life and pursue her dreams, Golan returned to her medical studies less than a year after her injury.

“So much was taken from me on that fateful Saturday,” she explained. “But I refuse to let them take my spirit. In my profession, we fight for people’s lives, a mission that was forgotten that day. This is my victory over them.”

Golan is completing the final months of her internship at Sheba Medical Center, balancing her role as a doctor with intensive rehabilitation treatments. “Initially, I had concerns due to the physical demands,” she admitted. “But I believe I will gain confidence over time.”

Treating patients has led to emotionally charged encounters. One Holocaust survivor’s story of survival reminded Golan of her own experiences. “They tried to burn me and my family alive. As Jews, we will forever fight for our place,” she said.

When asked what keeps her going, Golan points to her family, especially her daughter, Yael. “A child brings a sense of normalcy, forcing you to live, to laugh, and to smile,” she explained. “I hope Yael will realize she is a hero, giving us the strength to fight for our lives as a family every day.”

For herself, Golan wishes “to be an excellent doctor, to fight for every patient, to cherish the journey I’ve taken, and to empower those around me.”

Posted on August 8, 2024

Source: (This article was originally published by Ynetnews on August 7, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

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