A Syrian toddler with a clown therapist at Israel's Ziv Medical Center. Photo: Hannah Bickle.

The youngest Syrian to be treated in Israel since the Syrian civil war began more than two years ago was released from Ziv Medical Center in Safed on Monday, September 9.

The child, a two-and-half-year-old boy who was suffering from shrapnel wounds to his head, was brought with his injured mother to Ziv Medical Center on Wednesday for emergency treatment. The two were injured by a missile explosion across from their home in Syria, which left shrapnel pieces and burns on the upper part sof their bodies.

The toddler went through a number of surgeries to remove shrapnel pieces from his head, which miraculously did not penetrate deeply into his skull. He was released in good condition, smiling and in good spirits, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Ziv Medical Center director, Dr. Oscar Ambon, told Tazpit News Agency that the medical staff at the hospital is dedicated to treating every injured Syrian that arrives to the hospital.

“For the past seven months, we have been treating tens of injured Syrians brought to us by the IDF. Most of the injured arrive in serious condition. Some are suffering from complicated injuries that require immediate professional medical treatment as well as social and emotional support in light of the traumas they’ve experienced during the war,” Dr. Ambon told Tazpit News Agency.

According to Dr. Ambon, Ziv’s medical staff also takes care of the clothing that the patients need before they are released, as well as games and activities for the injured children.

On Sunday night, two Syrian brothers, ages 12 and 15, were also brought to the hospital in critical condition, with the older brother suffering from internal injuries and the younger from shrapnel wounds.

A spokesperson from Ziv Medical Center said there are currently 16 Syrians being treated in the hospital, and that a total of 90 Syrians have treated in Ziv thus far.

Ziv Medical Center is currently raising funds for medical equipment, wheelchairs, and prosthetic devices for the injured Syrians once they are released.