Stories From the Streets: Why I’m Standing Here Today

Eden Mantsur from Jerusalem was among the five soldiers injured after a Palestinian terrorist drove his car into them in a ramming attack at the Hizme checkpoint in July 2019. Mantsur was seriously injured and required immediate medical attention. For the first time since the attack, she met with volunteer EMT Ariel Ben David, who was the first responder at the incident and treated her injuries. The treatment Ben David provided prevented severe damage and may well have saved Mantsur’s life.

“I remember that after I was struck by the car, I was lying on the ground in intense pain,” Mantsur said during the meeting. “Out of nowhere Ariel arrived like an angel.”

Mantsur served in the search and rescue division of the IDF during the time of the attack. She was on duty at the Hizme checkpoint near the Pisgat Ze’ev neighborhood of Jerusalem when it occurred. When she was hit by the car, Mantsur was lifted into the air and landed several meters away. The first person to arrive at her side was Ben David, who left his home in Pisgat Ze’ev when he received an alert from dispatch about the attack. Ben David found Mantsur lying off to the side of the road in some bushes with several broken limbs and injuries to her upper body. He began treatment immediately, preventing her situation from deteriorating and causing irreversible damage.

After the incident Ben David kept in touch with Mantsur to see how she was recuperating. Recently the two met in person for the first time since the attack in Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where Mantsur is undergoing physical therapy. Mantsur had requested the meeting, and United Hatzalah’s volunteer department arranged it.

Mantsur, still supported by crutches, was moved to meet Ben David again and even presented him with a commendation for his service. “I remember that when Ariel arrived, he treated me in a calm and collected manner,” Mantsur said. “He was devoted to his work, courteous and professional. He moved everyone away and gave me the best treatment possible in the field. His actions and attitude calmed me down, as I knew I was in good hands.” 

Ben David spoke about his actions and how he felt to meet with Mantsur again: “When I arrived at the checkpoint, I saw a mass of confusion. I was told there was a seriously injured soldier off to the side of the road. I ran to her and began treating her for her injuries for a long time. I understood she was suffering from broken bones throughout her entire body. I saw she was semiconscious. I fought to ensure she didn’t lose consciousness completely. I spoke with her and made sure she did not deteriorate any further until she was finally transported to the hospital.”

Mantsur added: “Every time we speak I thank Ariel again and again. I remind him he was my rescuing angel. I want to thank United Hatzalah for giving volunteers like Ariel the tools and capabilities to save lives. It is because of them that I am standing here today.” 

Raphael Poch is the international media spokesperson for United Hatzalah, Israel’s national volunteer EMS organization.