Kfir Eliyahu, a resident of Ramla, has spent the past two weeks at the Hatzor Air Force Base, with a chemotherapy bottle connected to his body. In July, he had to halt his lengthy career as an aircraft technician due to an advanced cancer diagnosis. However, after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, this 42-year-old didn't hesitate. He left behind his wife and children to return to the base and contribute to the defense of the nation in any way possible.
"My wife and parents were understandably fearful," he said. "They knew of my desire but were concerned about my condition. The day after my treatment, when my wife saw me donning my uniform, she asked, 'Where are you going?'"
However, Eliyahu's determination was unwavering.
"Anyone who saw the images from the frontlines couldn't stay indifferent," he explained.
Cancer seemed to have cut short the man's long career in the Air Force. As part of his job, he meticulously maintained and repaired planes in the 4th wing of the Hatzor base.
A few months ago, he began experiencing abdominal discomfort initially misdiagnosed as appendicitis. But Eliyahu suspected it was a more severe issue.
"I spent two days in the hospital, but I felt uneasy," he shared. Subsequent tests at Tel Hashomer Hospital revealed that while the appendicitis had burst, it wasn't the primary problem. Eliyahu received the devastating diagnosis of advanced colon cancer that had metastasized to his liver.
Since then, he has endured a series of hospital stays, tests, and a course of chemotherapy treatments.
Every two weeks, he faces a grueling 36-hour treatment in the hospital, followed by 48 hours of wearing a bag carrying a chemotherapy bottle connected to his chest through a tube.
"It comes with side effects, such as being unable to consume cold items or touch anything cold," he remarked.
After the diagnosis, the military doctors informed him that he could not serve anymore.
"I had requested to return to duty, even for just a few hours each week, before the conflict," he recalled. "The doctor disagreed, and that's when everything began."
The day that changed everything
However, after hearing what was happening on October 7, Eliyahu bid farewell to his wife and four children, aged 11, nine, and five-year-old twins, and made his way to the base.
"I simply packed a bag and came without anyone knowing," he said. "I assist in any way I can. When I arrived, I was still receiving chemo. I was concerned someone might bump into me, so I applied masking tape to myself to minimize movement."
Things aren't always smooth. As expected, the illness hinders his ability to perform his tasks. Nevertheless, he does not give up.
"I attempted to repair an aircraft, but I couldn't even grasp a drill," he said. "I yearn to do it, but sometimes I'm physically unable. I lend a hand wherever I can, even if it's office work and procurement. Obviously, I experience more pain and weakness. I'm not Rambo; I lack the strength I once had."
Yet, Eliyahu steadfastly declines labels of heroism.
"This is our duty," he said. "We train for years for moments like these. People call me a hero, but I don't see myself as one. The real heroes are the residents of the Gaza Strip who have suffered."