Elisha Meidan, a 45-year-old Israeli reservist, faced a life-altering moment when a Hamas booby-trapped tunnel shaft exploded in Gaza's Beit Hanoun area, claiming both his legs and the lives of four of his friends.
The blast left him with severe internal injuries, including damaged lungs and intestines, after he and his unit were searching building-to-building for terrorist tunnel entrances. Despite lying under rubble alongside another amputee comrade, they were rescued through the courageous efforts of fellow soldiers who entered the still-dangerous structure.
What sets Meidan's story apart is his extraordinary perspective on this devastating experience. Currently undergoing rehabilitation at Sheba Hospital, he approaches his new reality with remarkable optimism, describing his condition as "excellent" despite recurring infections and severe injuries.
Rather than dwelling on his losses, Meidan views his situation as "a mid-life adventure," expressing gratitude for survival after having recited the Shema Yisrael prayer, believing he would die. "If I had to choose, I would choose to have legs," he acknowledges, "but this is the reality... I'm happy with the body that remained for me – it's a gift, a new adventure."
In any other reality, he never would have crossed paths with Hasidic singer Motti Steinmetz from Bnei Brak. Motti is one Israel's leading religious vocalists, blending Hasidic traditions with contemporary Jewish music. His musical foundation was shaped by traditional Vizhnitz melodies learned from his grandfather, who moved from Antwerp to Israel during Steinmetz's teenage years. This early influence, combined with guidance from producer Ruvi Banet, helped develop his distinctive emotional style that draws deeply from religious texts and prayers.
Steinmetz's breakthrough came with his 2017 debut album "Haneshama Bekirbi" (My Soul Within Me), which took four years to create and achieved platinum status in Israel. Although he maintains strict adherence to Orthodox principles in his performances, including singing only to gender-segregated audiences, Steinmetz has managed to bridge religious and secular divides through his music. His genuine approach and powerful performances have earned him recognition across Israeli society, culminating in a 2018 documentary about his life on national television.
In a touching moment that captures both the pain and hope amid Israel's ongoing conflict, Steinmetz came to Tel Hashomer to sing to Elisha Meidan.
The poignant lyrics speak directly to the wounded warrior's struggle: "Hold tight, my little leaf / Not everything is always right, everything is understandable / Life is not a math lesson, it is also a test."
Steinmetz's gentle melody carries words of encouragement and resilience, reminding the soldier that better days lie ahead: "Take my blessing with you on the way / The glass is half full, always remember."
The song concludes with a powerful message of hope, drawing on the eternal cycle of nature: "And when the sun sets over the sea / Don't worry, tomorrow it will rise again!"
This intimate moment between artist and soldier reflects the broader spirit of solidarity in Israel, where civilians and artists alike are finding ways to support and comfort those bearing the heaviest burdens of the conflict.
Such gestures of compassion and hope continue to light the way forward during these challenging times.
