Faced with a devastating diagnosis, Hotam chose not to retreat into despair.
By Hezy Laing
Captain Omri Hotam’s journey is a profound testament to resilience, purpose, and the human spirit.
At just 22 years old, Hotam was a rising combat officer in the IDF’s Paratroopers Brigade, with a promising military career ahead of him.
But his trajectory changed dramatically when he began experiencing tremors in his legs.
After undergoing medical evaluations, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a rare and incurable neurodegenerative disease that gradually strips the body of muscle control.
Faced with a devastating diagnosis, Hotam chose not to retreat into despair.
Instead, he embarked on a six-month journey through South America, seeking clarity and meaning.
Upon returning to Israel, he made a deliberate decision to continue living with purpose.
Rather than stepping away from service, he transferred to the Military Intelligence Directorate, where he could contribute intellectually despite his physical limitations.
His outlook remained defiantly optimistic. “I had the option of rotting in front of the television or doing something significant,” he said.
“Life is good and worth living.”
Hotam’s determination led him to participate in a cutting-edge clinical trial at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem.
The trial, conducted by BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics and overseen by Professor Dimitrios Karussis, involved an innovative stem cell therapy.
Stem cells were extracted from Hotam’s bone marrow, cultivated, and treated to resemble neurons before being reintroduced into his body.
The results were remarkable: the progression of his ALS slowed, offering him renewed hope and a measure of physical stability.
Professor Karussis, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Hadassah and chairman of the Israeli Neuroimmunological Society, played a pivotal role in Hotam’s treatment.
The trial not only offered scientific promise but also underscored the importance of personalized care and the intersection of military service and medical innovation.
Captain Omri Hotam’s story is far more than a medical case—it is a symbol of perseverance, courage, and unwavering commitment.
He continued to serve his country, inspire those around him, and challenge the limits of what was thought possible.
His journey has been widely recognized as one of the IDF’s most moving and powerful examples of human strength in the face of adversity.
