Dr. Ali Hogg Golan underwent an incredibly harrowing experience that spanned over 53 days. During this time, she was in a coma and was battling burns which covered approximately 60% of her body. This traumatic experience began on Black Sabbath, a day that became a struggle for survival for Dr. Golan, her husband Ariel, and their infant daughter Yael. Their home in Kfar Gaza was invaded by terrorists who set it ablaze.
Dr. Golan recollects that the nightmare began around 6:30 in the morning when a Qassam attack occurred. The family retreated to their daughter’s room, known as the MMD. They believed it was just another day faced with Qassam attacks until they started receiving alarming WhatsApp messages. The messages were a cry for help, stating that terrorists were present. The family decided to stay put in the MMD room, but unfortunately, the doors could be opened from the outside. Eventually, at 1 p.m., the terrorists entered the room.
The terrorists were not in uniform and were very uncomfortable. They attempted to force the family out of the room, lighting a fire in the adjacent room and setting clothes on fire. As the smoke grew thick, the family had to move to the next room. Upon seeing this, the terrorists threw an open gas cylinder into the fire, causing major burns to the family. The terrorists believed this would force the family out, but it did not.
The family then moved to the shower room in an attempt to cleanse themselves. However, the terrorists broke the window and threw in another gas balloon. Dr. Golan states that they were fortunate as the water was flowing, preventing the balloon from igniting. They were in a small room and knew that if the balloon exploded, their fate would have been different. The terrorists continued their attacks by throwing objects at them and even tried to stab them with a stick. Despite their injuries, the family managed to fight them off and saw them eventually retreat.
What were you doing at this moment?
Considering the entire house was on fire and the roof was collapsing, the family decided to escape. Ariel jumped out of the window first, followed by Yael, and then Dr. Golan herself. They knew that the terrorists were still around, hunting for people. So, they sought refuge in the agricultural area of the kibbutz, hiding among houses, dirt paths, and thorns. They managed to find a tractor with a high cab where they hid for about an hour and a half, hoping someone would come to their aid. Despite the ongoing fighting in Kfar Gaza, no help arrived. Yael started to lose consciousness, and they decided to seek medical attention.
For 53 days, you were in a coma, in critical condition. When you woke up, did you realize what happened?
Dr. Golan explains that they were unaware of the extent of the events that had transpired. When she woke up after 53 days, she was in a state of shock. She had to learn everything all over again due to her physical condition. She was informed that Ariel and Yael were okay and were in rehabilitation. She was slowly told about the events that had transpired, which was a traumatic experience in itself.
Did the doctors explain to you how you survived?
Dr. Golan explains that the doctors fought for her life tirelessly. Her condition was further complicated by the onset of Corona, and she was connected to an ECMO machine to allow her lungs to recover. The machine played a crucial role in saving her life.
How are you today?
Dr. Golan states that she is doing okay and is getting better. She is currently undergoing rehabilitation four times a week after being discharged from the hospital last week.
