[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Gadi Yarkoni, 47, a resident of Kibbutz Nirim, was critically injured by Hamas rocket from Gaza during Operation Protective Edge. Kibbutz security officer Zevik Etzion HY”D was killed in that attack.

Yarkoni was the last person wounded in the anti-terrorist operation as he was hit by mortar fire an hour before the implementation of the ceasefire that brought an end to the fighting. On 20 Elul he was discharged from Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva.

Doctors were impressed with his progress as both his legs were amputated below the knee. His injuries were so severe, initially they were not sure he would survive. Now Yarkoni faces another challenge, having decided to enter the race to become the head of the Eshkol Regional Council. He tells Israel Radio that he is certain of his decision and ready to face this new challenge.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)