‘If G-d takes legs, He gives wings.’

By Hezy Laing

Rabbi Liraz Zeira, a 42-year-old Chabad emissary to university campuses in Jerusalem and a reserve major in the IDF, embodies extraordinary resilience after a life-altering injury.

In late September 2025, while on operational duty in southern Syria, Zeira stepped on an old landmine during reserve service with the paratroopers.

The explosion severely damaged both legs, leading to their amputation above the knee.

Airlifted to Rambam Hospital in Haifa, he awoke from a coma days later, fully conscious and defying despair with his first words: “I want to get up and dance.”

From his hospital bed at Shamir Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zeira refused to let tragedy halt his mission.

A father of five and devoted shliach, he led Simchat Torah hakafot remotely, prayed Shacharis with visitors, and continued delivering daily Tanya classes via Zoom.

His faith, rooted in Chabad philosophy, transformed loss into purpose. “If G-d takes legs, He gives wings,” he declared in interviews, choosing life, laughter, and influence over bitterness.

Even amid surgeries and rehab, he spoke of flying rather than merely running, inspiring thousands with messages of exemplary soldierhood.

By early 2026, Zeira’s recovery accelerated remarkably. Transitioning to prosthetic legs—advanced bionic limbs enabling robotic-like mobility—he began basic training at a rehabilitation center.

These high-tech prosthetics, customized for his active lifestyle, allowed him to stand, walk, and regain independence faster than expected.

Last week, after prolonged hospitalization, he returned to work, resuming outreach on Jerusalem campuses and IDF rabbinate duties.

Relatives hailed it as “the beginning of a new path, full of ascents,” with another surgery planned but his spirit unbroken.

Zeira’s story resonates across Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

No longer defined by disability, he influences a generation through viral speeches, like his Kinus Hashluchim address, where applause met his vow to soar.

His return on robotic legs symbolizes triumph: a rabbi who affixed mezuzahs in Syria now dances into a future of renewed purpose, proving faith conquers all.