Rotem Inbar, a 22-year-old in the Nahal Infantry Brigade, served at the Sufa Outpost near Rafah. On October 7, it was half-staffed due to the holiday.
Early that morning, a terrifying barrage of rockets hit the base. Its personnel were unaware that they were surrounded until terrorists broke through the gate, attacking from all directions. Many were injured in this initial assault.
As Rotem fought to protect the wounded, a terrorist threw a grenade from two metres away. It hit the floor and exploded next to him, shredding his leg. Rotem lay in excruciating pain until a helicopter carrying Shayetet 13 fighters broke in, fought for several hours to take back control of the base, and evacuated the wounded.
At the hospital, surgeons determined Rotem’s right leg was too damaged to save and would be amputated. Similarly-injured Beit Halochem members visited Rotem in hospital. They assured him that, with Beit Halochem’s support, his life, while different, was not over.
Rotem is now a member of Beit Halochem Tel Aviv. Fitted with a prosthetic leg, hydrotherapy sessions provide much relief as he adjusts to his new limb. Rotem excercises in the fitness hall, plays wheelchair basketball, and looks forward to participating in Young Veterans Club programs for members ages 18-35.