Pilot of Downed F-16 Jet in Good Condition

Pictured Above: The pilot visited by President Reuven Rivlin, accompanied by Dr. Rafael Beyar, Director, Rambam Health Care Campus (Photo: Marc Neiman/GPO).

(JNS) The Israel Air Force pilot whose jet was shot down by a Syrian anti-aircraft missile after a strike deep in Syrian territory last week against Iranian infrastructure was released from the Israel’s Rambam Hospital in Haifa.

The 35-year old pilot was seriously wounded but after treatment was able to leave the hospital in apparent good condition after life-saving surgeries.

“We are greatly pleased by the pilot’s recovery and the excellent treatment he received at Rambam. Rambam and the IDF enjoy a very close relationship, for treatment of wounded soldiers and many other forms of cooperation,” said Rick Hirschhaut, national executive director, American Friends of Rambam Medical Center.

“As the largest hospital in Israel’s northern region, and reputation for trauma and emergency care, Rambam stands at the front line of Israel’s defense and security,” added Hirschhaut.

Before his release, the pilot also met with the IDF soldier who was wounded last week in the West Bank city of Jenin, when she accidentally entered with a military vehicle and was promptly attacked by an angry Palestinian mob. She is being treated at Rambam for injuries incurred during that incident.