JERUSALEM (VINnews) — This week we read in the Torah that a man [who was an ange] wrestled with Yaakov and “When he saw that he could not prevail against him, he touched the socket of his hip,” and Yaakov was left limping. For a young man in Maaleh Adumim, the pain in his hip nearly cost him his life, as reported by “Jerusalem Haredim”.
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Nadav Menashe, a 23-year-old from Ma’ale Adumim, recently felt a series of intensifying pains in the pelvic area which brought his routine to a halt. At first, he was sure it was just overexertion, but as the pain became daily and increasingly severe, he sought medical evaluation. A doctor who suspected a slipped disc sent him for an MRI, and by chance, an image that “spilled over” slightly into the pelvic region revealed an unusual finding. Further testing at the hospital revealed that Nadav had a rare cancerous tumor threatening his life.
Despite the shock, Nadav chose a mindset of faith and resilience. “It is disappointing, but I believe everything is from G-d and that everything is for the best,” he said. The doctors explained that the only way to save his life was through an especially complex surgery. Nadav decided to undergo the procedure at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, led by Dr. Omer Or, head of the Orthopedic Oncology Unit.
The surgery lasted about 15 hours and involved a multidisciplinary team using advanced technologies. Dr. Or noted that it was a rare procedure aimed at removing the tumor entirely while preserving future pelvic function. The surgical team used computer-guided navigation systems — a kind of “medical GPS” — and 3D-printed models for precise planning and resection. In a unique stage of the operation, a bone graft was taken from Nadav’s leg and implanted into his pelvis, allowing reconstruction of the bone structure and preservation of the hip joint and his ability to walk in the future.
After the lengthy surgery came the challenging rehabilitation phase. Nadav, who had been fully independent, found himself in a wheelchair and dependent on help for basic tasks. He transferred to the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Mount Scopus, where he learned again how to sit, stand, and later, walk. “The first time I managed to walk was amazing,” he recalled. “I suddenly realized it’s not just about walking, it’s about knowing you can trust your body again.”
Today, after an extended rehabilitation period and radiation treatments, Nadav walks with a cane and continues to progress with determination. He sums up his message simply and clearly: “I learned that nothing is to be taken for granted. Every day that you wake up and walk is a blessing. If something closes a door for you, it probably means another one was meant to open.”
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