Trauma Surgeon Revives Soldier Shot During Jerusalem Clashes

A Border Police officer named Shimon Ohana was shot three times in the chest and stomach during clashes in Jerusalem's Gilo neighborhood. The incident occurred as the Second Intifada began, with Palestinian gunmen firing at Israeli forces near a burning barricade.

Shimon pushed a mother out of the line of fire before being hit. Magen David Adom medics attempted revival at the scene but were unsuccessful. He was transported to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital marked dead on arrival.

Decision to Attempt Revival Prof.

Avi Rivkind, head of the Shock Trauma Center, ordered staff to bring the soldier back to life. Rivkind directed the team to administer large volumes of blood and perform cardiac surgery despite the absence of a pulse. A cardiothoracic surgeon repaired bullet holes in Shimon's heart and stomach.

Rivkind massaged the heart until it began beating. The procedure took place on the first day of the Second Intifada.

Shimon remained unconscious for 17 days.

On the 18th day he regained consciousness. His mother Rachel Ohana prepared Moroccan meatballs at Rivkind's request to encourage him to eat. Shimon was discharged from the hospital on November 23. He later married one of his physical therapy aides. Rivkind walked the groom down the aisle and danced at the wedding.

Rivkind received the 2026 Israel Prize for his work in trauma medicine. Rachel Ohana reported that her grandson now serves in the Border Police.