7-Year-Old Critically Hurt in Arad During 'Lion's Roar' Finally Comes Home

An encouraging update: the 7-year-old girl who was critically injured during Operation 'Lion's Roar' has recently been discharged home, Schneider Children's Medical Center announced today (Thursday). She was released after a prolonged medical fight that included a series of complex surgeries and intensive treatment at several medical centers.

The blast wave shattered windows and sent glass shards flying, causing her injuries. She was first evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in critical, life-threatening condition, suffering heavy bleeding and extensive multi-system damage. Imaging showed especially complex trauma after shrapnel penetrated her abdomen, causing significant liver injury, including a blood vessel laceration and damage to the bile duct — a situation that required urgent surgical intervention.

After initial stabilization at Soroka, she was transferred to the intensive care unit at Schneider Children's Medical Center. There, she underwent multiple complex surgeries and a prolonged stay in the surgical department, through a coordinated effort by multidisciplinary medical teams.

Dr. Michael Gurevich, head of the liver transplant unit at Schneider who operated on the girl, said: "This was a complex, multi-system injury with an immediate risk to life. It took intensive teamwork and the collaboration of several surgical specialties to stabilize her condition and repair the injuries to the liver and biliary system. Thankfully, thanks to the rapid intervention and sustained care, we were able to save her life, and now she is continuing her recovery at home."

Her family described a difficult period of uncertainty and fear, along with deep gratitude for the medical teams who accompanied their daughter. Her father said: "We went through moments that can't be put into words. We watched our daughter fight for her life, and the team at Schneider never gave up on her for a moment. Thanks to them, she is with us today. We have no words to thank them for the professionalism, dedication, and big hearts of everyone who took part in her treatment."