On November 10, 2012, during what seemed like a routine patrol, Yehuda Persi’s life changed in an instant. While serving as a driver for the Givati Brigade reconnaissance unit in the IDF, Yehuda’s jeep was struck by an anti-tank missile near the Gaza border. The attack left him with severe injuries to his face and eyes, marking the beginning of a long and challenging journey of recovery.
As the oldest child in an Orthodox family, Yehuda grew up in Ramle with a love for driving and a deep sense of purpose. Joining the IDF was a way for him to serve his country, and he embraced the role wholeheartedly. After completing his initial service, he re-enlisted for a career in the IDF, feeling that his place was on the front lines, driving and supporting his unit in missions and operations. But Yehuda’s career—and his life—took a drastic turn on that fateful November day.
A Life-Altering Incident
The attack occurred as Yehuda and his team were finishing a patrol near Kibbutz Nahal Oz. A missile launched from within Gaza struck their armored jeep, and shrapnel from the explosion severely injured Yehuda, damaging his eyes and leaving his body covered in burns and fragments of metal. “The truth of the matter is that I don’t remember a thing,” Yehuda admits, “I only know what I was told by my fellow soldiers and friends who witnessed the event.”
Back home, Yehuda’s father, Israel, was listening to the news when he heard about an incident involving four casualties in the area where Yehuda was stationed. Moments later, two officers knocked on his door to deliver the devastating news that Yehuda had been critically wounded. The journey that followed would be filled with surgeries, painful rehabilitation, and a profound struggle to adapt to a new way of life.
A Father’s Love and a Mother’s Care
As Yehuda began the long path to recovery, his family became his support system. His father, Israel, had been working as a shift manager, but he left his job to be by Yehuda’s side. His mother, Hannah, was protective, treating Yehuda with “kid gloves,” while his father preferred a lighter approach, playfully pestering Yehuda to keep his spirits high.
“I admire him for that smile and for his love of life,” Israel says with emotion. Despite the surgeries, the hospital stays, and the uncertainty, Yehuda’s smile never fades. It’s a small thing that gives his parents hope—a reminder of the strong-willed son they’ve always known.
Holding Onto Independence
Yehuda’s injuries impacted nearly every part of his daily life. Losing his vision was especially difficult, as he had always loved driving and had a passion for independence. But even as he navigated life without sight, Yehuda refused to let go of his autonomy. He committed his home’s layout to memory, so he could move around independently. His wardrobe was carefully arranged, and he learned to select his own clothes and make his own coffee.
“The first time I decided to make a cup of coffee, my father jumped on the hot water dispensing machine so that nothing would happen to me,” Yehuda recalls with a smile. He also bought a talking wristwatch and a talking cell phone, embracing tools that allowed him to stay connected with the world around him.
Yet, while he has adapted admirably to life at home, Yehuda acknowledges that navigating life outside remains a daunting challenge. “The bigger problem is everything that’s outside of the house,” he says, underscoring the limitations he faces and the courage required to step out into the world.
A Supportive Community at Beit Halochem
Throughout his recovery, Yehuda has found solace and camaraderie at Beit Halochem, Israel’s organization dedicated to rehabilitating and supporting wounded veterans. At Beit Halochem, Yehuda connects with others who have been through similar experiences, sharing their journeys of resilience and mutual encouragement.
Beit Halochem offers Yehuda a range of facilities and programs that aid in his recovery—both physically and emotionally. It’s a place where he doesn’t have to explain what he’s been through, a place where he can simply belong. His interactions with other veterans, such as Gadi Yarkoni, a former soldier who also lost his vision and went on to become a physiotherapist and marathon runner, have provided Yehuda with valuable mentorship and inspiration.
Faith, Resilience, and the Hope to See Again
For Yehuda, faith is a guiding light. Raised in a religious family, he holds on to his beliefs, finding strength in spirituality as he navigates his new reality. Despite the severity of his injuries, he continues to hope for the possibility of regaining some vision. “As far as I’m concerned, until I am given the absolute final verdict on my vision, I will still have hopes of seeing again, even if just a little bit,” he says. “I really miss not being able to see the sky.”
Yehuda’s optimism and resilience reflect his commitment to moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Although he once dreamt of studying Electronic Engineering, he now faces a different future—one that he meets with courage and a positive outlook, even as he contemplates the unknown.
Reflecting on Service and Sacrifice
Yehuda’s experience is a reminder of the profound sacrifices made by Israel’s soldiers. Reflecting on the events that led to his injury, Yehuda expresses a sense of frustration, wondering why it took such a severe escalation for a strong response to occur. “As soldiers, you hear about incidents here and there, until finally you say to yourself, what sort of an army am I serving in, isn’t it ever going to respond to the provocation?” he says. Yet, he remains steadfast in his pride for his service and in his belief in the importance of his role.
Operation Pillar of Defense, which began shortly after Yehuda’s injury, was Israel’s response to ongoing threats and attacks from Gaza. It was a significant operation, but for Yehuda, the personal impact of that response is forever etched into his life.
Looking Ahead with Strength and Hope
Yehuda Persi’s story is one of resilience, faith, and an unwavering determination to embrace life despite enormous challenges. He continues to hold onto hope, surrounding himself with family, faith, and the supportive community of Beit Halochem. His journey reminds us of the resilience of Israel’s wounded soldiers and the vital role that organizations like Beit Halochem play in their recovery.
As Yehuda navigates his new life, he sets an inspiring example of strength and perseverance, finding ways to adapt and overcome. His story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and thrive, even when faced with the most difficult of circumstances. With every step he takes, Yehuda shows us that true courage is about more than survival; it’s about embracing life with hope, faith, and a smile—even in the face of the unknown.