In an exhilirating turn of events during the ongoing Gaza conflict, Michelle Rukovitzin, a 21-year-old intelligence systems technician who was critically injured during the brutal Oct. 7 onslaught, has become engaged to her boyfriend of four years, Rinat.
Rukovitzin was gravely wounded during the attack on the Kissufim base, leaving her in a coma for three agonizing months. Doctors offered little hope, with most fearing the worst. But Rinat, her devoted partner, refused to give up. He stayed by her side day and night, his love and faith unwavering.
"I've never witnessed love like this outside of Disney movies," shared Lee Menahem, a social media influencer and daughter of a hospital volunteer. "When everyone else had lost faith, he never doubted. He never left her side."
The odds seemed insurmountable. Initially, Rukovitzin was completely unresponsive, barely able to blink. The prognosis was bleak, with many fearing she might never recover, potentially spending her life on life support. But there was one person who refused to accept this grim reality—Rinat. "I couldn't help but think, what an extraordinary man. This is the most incredible love story I've ever encountered, surpassing any Hollywood movie or fairy tale," Menahem added.
Rukovitzin eventually defied all expectations, regaining consciousness and embarking on a grueling rehabilitation journey. Despite the immense challenges ahead—relearning to speak and dealing with physical limitations—the couple faces the future with hope and determination. Although she remains in a wheelchair and the possibility of walking again is uncertain, their love has never been stronger.
In a moment that defied all odds, Rinat proposed to Rukovitzin on September 1, at the hospital, marking exactly four years since they began dating. It was a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment, symbolizing their unbreakable bond.
Now, as Rukovitzin prepares to leave the hospital, she and Rinat are looking forward to writing the next chapter of their lives together, united by a love that has conquered the most daunting of challenges.
* Israel Hayom contributed to this article.