By Danny Botton
Israel Saved Lives Beyond Politics
History is often shaped by unexpected acts of humanity. Two remarkable stories, separated by years but connected by the same ethical principle, illustrate how Israeli doctors treated people who were considered enemies, placing medicine above politics.
A Secret Mission for Turkey's President
In 2011, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was reportedly battling a serious case of colorectal cancer. As his condition worsened, Israel allegedly carried out a highly classified medical mission.
According to the account, following authorization from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and coordination by the Mossad, Professor Itzhak Shapira of Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital was secretly flown to Turkey. Working discreetly to avoid a diplomatic crisis, he and his team reportedly provided life-saving treatment.
The operation was described as successful. While Turkey publicly characterized Erdoğan's condition as a minor digestive issue, the story claims that Israeli medical specialists had played a decisive role in saving his life.
Yahya Sinwar and the Israeli Doctor
In 2004, Yahya Sinwar, then serving multiple life sentences in an Israeli prison, began suffering from severe neurological symptoms, including neck pain, tremors, and episodes of unconsciousness.
Israeli prison dentist Dr. Yuval Bitton recognized that the condition appeared far more serious than a routine illness and insisted that Sinwar be transferred immediately to Soroka Medical Center. There, surgeons discovered an aggressive brain tumor and successfully removed it, saving his life.
After recovering, Sinwar reportedly told Dr. Bitton in fluent Hebrew:
"I owe you my life. I will reward you one day."
A Tragic Twist of History
Seven years later, in 2011, Sinwar was released as part of the prisoner exchange that secured the return of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
After returning to Gaza, Sinwar rose to become Hamas' leader and later became one of the principal architects of the October 7, 2023 attacks against Israel.
In a tragic irony, one of those murdered during the attacks was Dr. Bitton's own nephew.
The Medical Code
Years later, Dr. Bitton was asked whether he regretted saving Sinwar's life.
His answer was simple.
As a physician, saving lives was his duty. Medicine, he said, must remain guided by humanity rather than revenge.
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