Sa'ar Hamdi Seriously Wounded Rescuing His Soldier, Recovered and Returned to Fight: 'Joy Is a Healing Power'

Sa'ar Hamdi, an armored platoon commander, was seriously wounded while trying to rescue his soldier, the late Asaf Tovol, from a burning tank in Khan Younis. After a lengthy rehabilitation, he returned to fighting in the Strip until his release. During his recovery, he connected to Judaism, joined the 'Tzav HaChaim' forum, and now shares a message about the healing power of joy.

Sa'ar Hamdi (24), from the community of Matan, served as a platoon commander in the 77th Battalion of the Armored Corps. After the first ceasefire, he entered with his platoon to maneuver in Khan Younis. During a month of continuous fighting, an RPG hit his tank directly. Sa'ar tried to rescue his soldier, the late Asaf Tovol, who had lost consciousness, and was seriously wounded. He was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Hospital, where he fought for his life. Asaf did not survive, and since then a deep bond has formed between Sa'ar and the Tovol family. During rehabilitation, Sa'ar also dealt with the loss of his close friend, the late Yuval Yafe, who was killed on October 11. He began reading psychology books, but turned to Jewish teachings on the soul, including the Zohar, the Tanya, and the teachings of Rabbi Nachman. After a visit to Meir Tovol, Asaf's father, he joined the 'Tzav HaChaim' forum, which brings together bereaved families, released hostages, and wounded IDF soldiers. Sa'ar returned to fighting in the Strip until his release. Today, he is pursuing film studies and shares a message about the importance of joy as a healing power, and the need for openness and acceptance of others in Israeli society.