Surviving the flames: A family's harrowing battle against Hamas terrorists

In a gripping tale of courage and survival, Ellay Golan, her husband Ariel, and their 18-month-old daughter Yael endured a harrowing ordeal during the Hamas October 7th attack. As Hamas militants besieged their home in Kfar Azza, the family took refuge in their bomb shelter, desperately barricading the door against intruders.

When attempts to break in failed, the terrorists resorted to setting the house ablaze, hoping to force them out. Despite the inferno raging around them, Ellay, Ariel, and Yael remained in the shelter until smoke threatened their lives. With incredible bravery, they shielded Yael and fled through flames to seek refuge in a nearby tractor on the kibbutz.

Hours passed before they were rescued by soldiers stationed at the kibbutz entrance, who swiftly airlifted them to Sheba Medical Center by helicopter. It was a race against time as Ellay, despite severe burns covering 60% of her body and damage to her lungs from smoke inhalation, managed to instruct first responders on caring for her baby before losing consciousness.

Medical experts initially feared for Ellay's survival as she remained in a coma for two months. Ariel and Yael also faced significant burns—40% and 30% of their bodies, respectively. However, their journey took a hopeful turn at Sheba Medical Center, where innovative treatments, including the Israeli-developed NexoBrid for burn care, played a crucial role in their remarkable recovery.

Last week, despite her hands still bearing the scars of her injuries, Ellay achieved a significant milestone: receiving her Doctor of Medicine degree from Ben-Gurion University. Her accomplishment stands as a testament to her and her husband's resilience and determination in the face of extreme adversity.