Meet this Israeli hero: Dr. Amit Frenkel's extraordinary response to October 7

In the early morning hours of October 7, 2023, as chaos erupted across southern Israel, Dr. Amit Frenkel faced one of the most challenging days of his medical career. As the multi-casualty incident manager at Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva, he would soon be tested in ways few medical professionals ever experience.

As helicopters, ambulances, and private vehicles streamed into the hospital carrying wounded civilians and soldiers fighting for their lives, Dr. Frenkel orchestrated what can only be described as a medical miracle.

Under his leadership and direct participation, the hospital performed an astounding 318 life-saving surgeries in just three hours. By day's end, his team had treated more than 600 patients.

What makes Dr. Frenkel's story even more remarkable is the personal burden he carried throughout that devastating day. His own son was stationed as a soldier at a base under attack. Despite the overwhelming anxiety any parent would feel, Dr. Frenkel made the difficult choice to put his personal fears aside, focusing entirely on saving the hundreds of lives that depended on his leadership and surgical expertise.

The day ended with a moment of profound relief when Dr. Frenkel finally received word that his son had survived the attack without injury.

JewishLifeNow contributed to this article.