The Inspiring Story of Matan, Blinded in Gaza, Now a Prosecutor

Courtesy of Matzav.com

https://matzav.com/the-inspiring-story-of-matan-blinded-in-gaza-now-a-prosecutor/

This is the inspiring journey of Matan Levy, an IDF soldier who lost his vision but refused to surrender to his circumstances. Today, he is pursuing his dream of serving his country as a legal intern at the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office.

On October 7, Levy, a resident of Oranit in central Israel, received an urgent call from his reserve unit, the 5th Brigade’s 8111st Battalion, directing him to report to the Gaza border immediately. At the time, he was in the midst of an internship at a private law firm, having just completed his law degree. His life took a dramatic turn in the Gaza border area.

“We were tasked with clearing the area of terrorists,” Levy said. “There were intense confrontations and difficult events. After a few days, we shifted to securing the artillery and tank units preparing for the ground assault.”

On October 14, while positioned near Kibbutz Nirim, a mortar attack launched from Jabaliya and Beit Hanoun struck his unit. “I was critically injured, and my friend, Israeli hero Omer Bitan, was killed by the mortar,” Levy recounted.

Levy spent two weeks in the ICU at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, fighting for his life. “After being in a coma for two weeks, I woke up and quickly realized I was blind,” he explained. “But the pain was so overwhelming that I couldn’t focus on the blindness. The pain was indescribable—it was terrifying.”

Levy underwent a lengthy rehabilitation process at Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, where he remained for nine months. As the physical pain gradually eased, he began coming to terms with his new reality of blindness. “I had to relearn everything—walking, navigating a world without sight. What once were routine tasks became monumental obstacles. It’s something most people can’t fully grasp unless they’ve lived through it.”

Despite all he had endured, Levy was steadfast in his goal of becoming a lawyer.

“During my recovery, I made the decision that I would continue fighting for the country, and I set my sights on doing my legal internship at the State Attorney’s Office.”

His determination reached the attention of the state attorney, who requested that the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office (Criminal Division) evaluate Levy for an internship. He was invited for an interview, which he prepared for while still in rehabilitation. “It was my first time working with legal documents without being able to read them visually, and I owe it to my incredible brother who continues to help me.”

“While others can read through the material multiple times, I rely on my memory. My assistants read the material to me once or twice, and I memorize it.”

Levy’s family—his parents and brother—struggled with his blindness, but his mother, who had moved to Israel from Argentina with a strong sense of Zionism, was a source of resilience. “My family was shattered, but my mother, a true lioness, reminded us that nothing is stronger than life. The fact that I survived is a miracle, and that message stuck with me,” Levy shared.

Levy’s hard work paid off when he was accepted into the office. He now works on cases involving serious crimes, under the guidance of Attorney Assaf Shavit and his mentor, Attorney Simi Yafit Deri. He is the first blind legal intern at the State Attorney’s Office, which has equipped him with specialized software and provided two National Service assistants to support him.

Daphna Vaknish, head of interns at the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office, made it clear that Levy earned his place. “He is treated like any other intern, with the same expectations, and he meets those expectations successfully.”

“Judges are consistently impressed when Matan represents the state and shows complete mastery of the material,” said Attorney Deri. “For instance, we participated in 23 hearings before the parole board, and Matan managed it all from memory, performing seamlessly despite the challenges of working without printed documents. He’s an inspiration to everyone in the office.”

Levy’s role requires a deep understanding of intricate legal cases, which he handles by listening rather than reading. “While others can revisit documents multiple times, I depend on my memory. My assistants, Yair and Ben, read the material aloud to me once or twice, and I memorize it. I write legal opinions, argue in court, and appear before parole boards—performing just like any other prosecutor,” he said.

“Most of my cases are in district courts. I truly feel that I’m living my dream. I may not be able to fight on the front lines in Gaza or the north, but I’m fighting against serious crime for the country in the courtroom. No terrorist can take away my motivation or erase my smile.”

October 14 marks the day Levy was injured, but to him, it signifies something more profound. “For me, it’s not the day I was wounded—it’s the day I survived. As long as I’m alive, I hold my head high. I’ve made a choice to live a full and meaningful life despite my blindness. During my recovery, I met my partner, who is now both my eyes and my heart. Life is a blessing, and every moment is a gift.”