Only the top Israeli soldiers are selected for officer school and many don’t make the cut. It involves more time in the army, taking additional responsibility and leading younger soldiers. Idan Levy, (19) serving in the IDF Logistical Corps, was a year and a half into his military service when his commanders recommended him for the prestigious course.
On 8th January 2017, three weeks before graduating, Idan’s unit arrived at a Jerusalem lookout point to begin an educational seminar when an Arab terrorist rammed his 10 ton truck into them. Four soldiers were killed in the attack and 13 were seriously injured, including Idan who was clinging to his life.
The four victims
“We were standing in a circle, waiting to meet the educational officer to show us the site,” Idan says, “but I don’t remember much else from that day. Everything I can tell you about what happened is from the news and video tapes which captured the attack.”
CCTV footage showed the terrorist plowing his truck into the soldiers at high speed then turning around to run them over a second time before soldiers and a passing Israeli tour guide shot and killed him at the scene.
Idan sustained a serious head injury, a ripped artery in his throat and severe damage to one of his legs. Unconscious, he was rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital for emergency surgery which saved his life.
He remained in the hospital for five months as his leg was rebuilt and he underwent intensive physiotherapy which continues to today. Due to seriousness of his injuries, he was told by the army that he would be discharged from his military service. For Idan, this was devastating news.
“It was a real low point to feel this being taken away,” he said. “I had dreamed about serving as an officer for years. My maternal grandparents and paternal great grandparents moved to Israel generations ago to escape persecution.
There was one sentence he would say over and over, which I really held onto. “God only challenges those who can handle it.”
“My choice to serve as an officer was an essential part of who I was. I wasn’t about to let it go. I told them I wasn’t accepting their decision and refused to listen very time they brought it up. After a few weeks I think they understood how important it was for me to serve my country.”
Fighting back to recovery
Convincing the army was his first victory. Now he needed to muster the strength to recover. Inspiration came from Idan’s hospital roommate. “There was one sentence he would say over and over, which I really held onto. ‘God only challenges those who can handle it.’
“I grew up with a belief in God and we had a strong Jewish culture at home. I started to find strength in recognizing that there was a purpose to my life, my recovery and in turn my motivation to go back to service grew stronger by the day.”
Idan was also inspired by an impromptu hospital visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “It was a huge surprise,” Idan says. “He asked about my injuries, how I was feeling and also how I felt about returning to the army. He gave me a lot encouragement.”
Israeli PM visiting Idan
Two weeks later, he convinced the hospital to let him check out for the day to attend the graduation of his officers’ course. Accompanied by his parents and friends he took his place in an emotional ceremony in the presence of a senior IDF general with three seats left empty as a tribute for the soldiers killed in the attack. The fourth fatality had been an instructor.
“We received our pins and there were long hugs between us all,” Idan recalls, “Despite what had happened, we wanted above all else to finish the course together.”
New appreciation for life
“I realized then how grateful I am to be simply alive. In the hospital I saw people with no arms and legs and I gained a new appreciation for life.”
The day Idan came home from hospital dozens of family members and friends were waiting to greet him. “They have played a huge part in helping me to recover. The first holiday after I came out of hospital was Pesach. On Seder night I was sitting around the table with my grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins and I remember thinking to myself that a loving family is the most wonderful thing a person can have.”
Idan is an only child, which made his recovery even more meaningful for his family. “Sometimes my mom just hugs me for no reason. I think she’s just so happy I’m alive.”
Thinking positive
He has maintained a close connection to the other soldiers injured in the attack, some of whom still suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. “It helps to speak about the attack,” he says. “We help each other.”
“I am optimistic, my philosophy on life now is really just about looking for the good. The ability to walk and talk. everything is really a gift. I can honestly say that I barely find myself feeling sad.”
First Lieutenant, Idan Levy
Now with the rank of First Lieutenant, Idan Levy realized his dream at an induction ceremony at the Western Wall. He is back in uniform proudly serving as an officer in the IDF Logistics corps, with responsibilities for organizing reserve troops training. With eight soldiers under his command, he has much life wisdom to offer.
“I share with my soldiers the things that I have taken from my experience,” he says. “It taught me how you can get over things, not let them get you down, the importance of getting up again and fighting back.”
“I have learned to always smile at life, to look at what you have and to appreciate everything in your life.”
(18) Robert K Rosen, January 10, 2019 8:33 PM
One brave man.
I love everything First Lieutenant Idan Levy has done and also love him as a person. Thank you for your service.
(17) Janice Thoman, January 9, 2019 9:00 AM
I am very proud of you
Shalom Lt. Levy I spent 5 years as a Jet engine mechanic I'm 61 year old female or I would enlist in the Israeli Army to serve Thank You for being so Brave Janice Thoman Louisville,Ky USA
(16) WILLIAM, January 8, 2019 10:00 PM
Great vuctory
You discover your greatest inner potentials in life when you pass through horrific circumstances and you refuse to give up.The greater the problem,the more greater the inner force to overcome, it's a personal observation that I have noticed and I don't know if it is a mystery surrounding life or heroes of life.
(15) Gavriel Levi, January 8, 2019 5:28 PM
Thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom
Sometimes we all walk around with our ears and eyes closed shut, if I were blind and mute that would be OK, but even the blind and mute speak louder and could see clearer yet are so thankful for what they have. Yes my brother you are an inspiration thank you. Read תהילה 103. השם ברוח אתה אחי שלום.
(14) Michael Banhidi PhD, January 8, 2019 4:44 PM
All the best in your new military rank. We are with you always
(13) Miriam Poch, January 8, 2019 4:26 PM
Beautiful inspiring story. Always be thankful to Hashem for everything.
(12) roslyn blumberg, January 8, 2019 4:00 PM
inspiring story
Inspiring story
(11) Leah, January 8, 2019 3:47 PM
courageous
Idan is an overwhelmingly beautiful person with courage, strength and determination. How important it is to have a family support system such as his. I am inspired.
(10) George Quinn, January 8, 2019 2:30 PM
GOD only challenges those who can handle it.Amen
Idan''s story is a wonderful story,it touched my heart.I was in Israel in September 2018 with my wife.We were in a little coffee section in the central station Jerusalem,and we got a table to sit down,a young girl shared it with us.I realised she was in the army,so I just asked her what age she was,18 she replied,and I said-and your in the army,yes she replied,I said God the Eternal bless you. When I saw the photos of the 3 young girls and one boy killed by a terrorist murderer I felt so sad for them,God bless their families and may they be truly in the Book of Life Moses spoke about. As for Idan,we pray for a full recovery as he serves his Country and his people...Weld one Idan and God bless you and yours Pastor George Quinn.Done gal Ireland
(9) Enebeli Oliseh Xollins, January 8, 2019 12:03 PM
Faith without work is useless
When we listen to our heart in pureness it leads us to betterment....(faith and work) is the bedrock
Anonymous, January 8, 2019 2:35 PM
Praise God for for for His love and mercy.
My heart goes out to his ability to rise above his injuries and follow his dream. Glory be to God.
(8) H.E.Brown, January 7, 2019 6:59 PM
Being a soldier.
WELL DONE SOLDIER! THANK YOU FOR SERVICE.
(7) Ethan Shaw, January 7, 2019 6:22 PM
incredible outlook
We can all learn appreciate life and the challenges G-d gives us. It's how we deal with them and struggle through them that counts.
(6) Ida E. Becker Hersh, January 7, 2019 6:16 PM
Yashir koach
May you live to 120 & only know smachot.
Regina, January 9, 2019 2:49 AM
AMEN!!!
What an extraordinary, inspiring HERO this fine young man is - may HASHEM bless him abundantly.
AM YISROEL CHAI!
(5) Mimi, January 7, 2019 5:24 PM
Hashem bless you, and all our youth for inspiring us with your courage and positive outlook.
(4) Joseph pathripala, January 7, 2019 3:26 PM
Iam blessed to know Israel as a Christian
God bless Idan Levy, challenged to handle and appreciate the life, great Idan Levy God fulfill the desires of your heart.
(3) Nalinaksha Mutsuddi, January 7, 2019 3:23 PM
Inspiring
Inspiring story
(2) Jessica, January 7, 2019 2:49 PM
Awesome
My heart warms with this story. I am deeply impressed with Idan's resolve, courage and faith. Thank you for sharing his story.
(1) אין עליו עשה לי קארי בפורטנייט, January 6, 2019 10:16 AM
אלוף
תותח סוחב בפורטנייט בלי הפסקה