A Match Made in Compassion: The Story of Eitan David and Atia

“I played matchmaker for my son and daughter-in-law,” shares Rabbanit Tova Elia, mother of Eitan David, who was critically injured in a car accident about a month and a half ago. The story of Eitan David and Atia’s marriage is deeply moving.

Atia was previously married to Yehuda Dimantman, who was murdered in a terror attack in northern Samaria about three and a half years ago. At just 23, she became a young widow with an eight-month-old baby.
“On the anniversary of Yehuda’s death, the family released a memorial video. I watched it, and Atia’s grace and nobility immediately stood out to me,” Rabbanit Tova recalls. “After watching, I knew she was the one I wanted as a daughter-in-law. Her gentle strength and her love for Torah, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel were exceptional.”

At the time, Eitan David was a 26-year-old yeshiva student. At first, he hesitated when his mother suggested a match with a widow who had a child.
“I explained to him that Atia was truly special, and he agreed to meet her. Eitan David is someone who looks beyond external labels and sees deeply. Very quickly, he became enthusiastic. After their wedding, he would call me every day and say, ‘Mom, thank you for the special woman you brought into my life. How did I merit this?’”

Eitan David and Atia Elia before the accident

The couple has been married for two years. Rabbanit Tova says their marriage has become a source of inspiration. They offer hope to young widows that it is possible to rebuild a home, and they serve as a powerful example to singles, showing that compassion and courage can shape beautiful new beginnings.

The couple preferred to live quietly, focusing on building their home, until the severe accident near Yitzhar, where they live, changed everything. Eitan David was critically injured and initially in life-threatening condition. Atia was moderately injured, while her son David miraculously escaped with only a fractured leg.

How did you feel when you heard about the accident?

“When I arrived at the hospital that day, my husband told me how severe Eitan David’s condition was, saying his hours might be limited. I went into an empty room and cried out to Hashem with all my heart. I said, ‘You commanded us in the Torah not to harm a widow or an orphan. Atia has already been through so much and has gathered all her strength to begin again. For her sake, return Eitan David to us. You cannot leave her alone again.’”

Rabbanit Tova says that through great mercy and many miracles, Eitan David is no longer in immediate danger, though he remains sedated and on a ventilator.

Tell us about the bond between Eitan David and Atia’s son, David.

“One of the most beautiful things about Eitan David is his relationship with David. David calls him ‘Dad.’ Eitan David would lift him high, play with him endlessly, and take him on little adventures, so much so that Atia would joke, ‘I have two mischievous boys at home.’

On the day of the accident, when David was rescued from the crushed vehicle, he cried, ‘Dad, Dad, I want Dad.’ Someone later said that perhaps he meant our Father in Heaven, Yehuda, his father who is already in Heaven, and also his earthly father, Eitan David. The bond between them is deep and real.

The day before the accident, we attended my nephew’s wedding. For four hours, Eitan David danced with David on his shoulders. Every time he tried to put him down, David would run after him and call, ‘Dad, lift me again.’ I see this as symbolic, as though he carried him through this challenge.

The following day, we celebrated David’s fourth birthday at our home with singing and pizza in a joyful family atmosphere. Eitan David even asked for a back massage afterward from all the dancing. Today, as he lies sedated, we play him recordings of David saying, ‘Dad, I love you. Are you still not feeling well? I want you to come home already,’ and we pray that he will wake up.”

Rabbanit Tova Elia with David

Rabbanit Tova also shares the story behind her son’s name. They originally wanted to name him David after his grandfather, following a Sephardi tradition. Unsure about naming after someone still living, they consulted Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l, who suggested adding the name Eitan, blessing the grandfather with long life and strength.
“Today, I feel that Rabbi Eliyahu zt”l foresaw something,” she says quietly. “By adding the name Eitan, he blessed not only my father-in-law, but also Eitan David himself, with strength to rise again.”

Everyone Comes Together

Tell us about the initiatives taking place for their recovery.

“Two weeks ago, we marked Eitan David’s 28th birthday. Instead of fundraising money, we launched a campaign for good deeds. Because he turned 28, we set a goal of 28,000 good deeds. By the end, we had received more than 30,000 deeds recorded in the system.

Eitan David always filled his birthday with meaning. In previous years, he would go into nature alone, play music, reflect, and focus on spiritual growth. This year, since he cannot do that himself, we chose to do it for him.”

She adds that last week they organized a challah-baking initiative involving 1,000 women, with a shared document circulated across groups.
“The response was overwhelming. We surpassed the goal.”

Rabbanit Tova explains that her son feels deeply connected to the entire Jewish people.
“At the beginning of the war, he felt we were not involved enough. He created a WhatsApp group called ‘Connected Family,’ sharing updates about hostages, wounded individuals, and initiatives for prayer and kindness. After his injury, I felt that now the entire nation is connected, but he is the one not waking up. I told him, ‘Eitan David, everyone is with us now, everyone is connected and praying. Now it is your turn to wake up.’”

What is their current condition?

“Atia has recently returned home and will soon begin rehabilitation. She is eager to recover so she can regain independence and be with Eitan David. Eitan David is no longer in critical danger, thank God, but he remains sedated and on a ventilator in intensive care. We continue to pray for his awakening and full recovery.”

A Journey of Faith and Trust

The belief in Eitan David’s recovery is deeply felt in Rabbanit Tova’s words.
“I consulted with Atia regarding some photos we shared with you, and we ask that they not be published at this stage. We will ask Eitan David himself once he wakes up whether he is comfortable with them being shared.”

“As a family, we decided to face this situation with faith and trust,” she says. “There are moments when I look at Eitan David and feel my strength weaken. Questions arise, fears about the future appear. But we work hard not to remain in that place.

We speak to him, play him prayers and songs, sing and dance beside him, and play Torah lectures. Above all, we constantly visualize the thanksgiving celebration we will hold, with God’s help. We choose to think and speak positively.”

Rabbanit Tova compares their journey to walking through a dark tunnel and noticing a faint light in the distance.
“Most people say, ‘We are in darkness now, but soon we will reach the light.’ We are trying to learn to turn on the light while still inside the tunnel, to recognize that the light already exists, even amid uncertainty and fear. We strive to walk with faith and to place our trust in Hashem.”

She concludes with a teaching from Chovot HaLevavot, which describes trust in Hashem as a child resting calmly in his mother’s arms.
“Just as a baby does not question where his mother is taking him, trusting she is bringing him to the best place, so we strive to trust that Hashem is guiding us toward goodness. With His help, Eitan David will return to health.”