New York University (NYU) Langone is partnering with an Israeli hospital to offer new hope to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers who have lost limbs in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The collaboration, facilitated by the Israeli charity Belev Echad, brings together NYU’s Center for Amputation Reconstruction (CAR) and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov. Together, they are introducing advanced osseointegration techniques to Israeli soldiers and training local medical professionals to perform these groundbreaking surgeries in Israel.
Osseointegration is a procedure that allows a prosthetic limb to be directly attached to the bone, relieving pressure on soft tissue. The NYU CAR, which was established in 2019, specializes in treating complex limb injuries and severe congenital defects. Dr. Omri Ayalon, head of the center, emphasized the importance of these surgeries, especially for soldiers recovering from the horrors of war. “I feel very grateful that I am able to provide a service that helps. We have the privilege here of focusing on reconstructive procedures that help soldiers get back to a more normal life,” he told Fox News Digital.
The need for prosthetics has surged in Israel since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, and while osseointegration has shown promise, it is not yet widely available in Israel.
The interdisciplinary approach at NYU CAR ensures that patients receive all the care they need, from surgery to physical therapy and emotional counseling. Before October 7, the center had experience treating wounded soldiers from Ukraine. The osseointegration technique can significantly reduce phantom limb sensations and pain associated with amputations, allowing patients to use prosthetics when they otherwise couldn’t.
Imri Rong, a 26-year-old Israeli soldier, was severely injured during a mission in Gaza. While clearing a booby-trapped building in Khan Yunis, the structure collapsed after an explosion. Rong’s military dog, Cheetah, saved his and other soldiers’ lives by alerting them to the danger, though she tragically died in the blast. Rong suffered nerve damage in his leg and ankle, making it difficult for him to walk. Thanks to Belev Echad, Rong was able to receive treatment at NYU CAR. He hopes his surgeries will allow him to lead a normal life again and even play soccer with his friends.
Dr. Yaron Mor, from Ichilov Hospital, believes the partnership between Israel and NYU CAR offers both countries a chance to expand their knowledge. Dr. Mor, who served in the previous Gaza conflict, said treating wounded soldiers is especially meaningful to him. “It’s a privilege to treat them. They’re kids, and we have to provide them the opportunity to lead normal lives,” he remarked.
Rabbi Uriel Vigler, President of Belev Echad, expressed that the collaboration will bring “cutting-edge surgeries” and “innovative technology” to Israel, which he believes will greatly improve the lives of many injured soldiers. “These surgeries will transform the lives of so many people,” he said.
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