"I saw a friend bleeding and it frustrated me": The reservist who was accepted to medical school

Maayan, a 24-year-old reservist who served in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria and accumulated over 300 reserve days, began his studies this week in the six-year medical program at Ariel University. In an interview with Noam Dvir, he describes how the sight of his wounded comrades in battle led him to abandon his plans in physics and engineering for a desire to save lives.

Maayan, 24, began his studies this week in the six-year medical program at Ariel University, after serving as a fighter in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit and later in the reserves. He says he planned to study mathematics, engineering, or physics, but the war changed his path. The sight of wounded friends on the battlefield motivated him to pursue medicine instead. Maayan served over 300 reserve days in combat zones including Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. His decision reflects a personal shift from technical fields to a career focused on saving lives, driven by the harsh realities of war.