Injured IDF reservist Matan Levy continues law career after losing his vision while defending Israel post-Oct 7

After leaving his internship at a law firm to fight for Israel, Matan Levy lost his sight but overcame remarkable obstacles to continue with his career, becoming the first blind legal intern at the State Attorney’s Office in Israeli history.

"Judges are amazed when Matan argues on behalf of the state and demonstrates his full command of the material," Attorney Simi Yafit Deri told Ynet News.

"For example, we appeared in 23 different hearings before the parole board, and Matan handled it all flawlessly from memory, overcoming the challenges of working without written documents. He inspires everyone at the office."

Head of interns at the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office Daphna Vaknish affirmed, "He is treated like any other intern, required to meet the same targets, and he does so successfully."

Having recently graduated with a law degree, Levy was completing his internship at a private law firm last year when he was called up to fight as a reservist on Oct. 7. His unit had the task of clearing and securing the area by the Gaza border, a horrific ordeal in itself but Levy lost both his best friend and his sight in the process.

Bereaved, blind, and in excruciating pain, Levy spent nine months in rehabilitation at Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv. Levy said he experienced “tough encounters and intense events” clearing the area of terrorists, but explained that it was on Oct. 14 that he lost his sight. He was near Kibbutz Nirim when a barrage of rockets from Gaza struck his unit.

"I was critically wounded, and my friend, Israeli hero Omer Bitan, was killed by the mortar," he recounted. Levy was in a coma for two weeks and almost lost his life. He was left in such pain that he said it terrified him.

Yet, with extraordinary determination and a fighting spirit, Levy reflected on the day he lost his sight with optimism.

"For me, it’s not the day I was wounded – it’s the day I survived. As long as I’m alive, I live with my head held high. I’ve decided to live a full and meaningful life despite my blindness. During my recovery, I met my partner, who is now both my eyes and my heart. Life is a blessing, and every moment is a gift."

He credits his family, and particularly his mother, with giving him the courage to continue.

“My mother, a true lioness, reminded us all that nothing is stronger than life itself,” he said, explaining that his family was initially crushed but learned to see things from a different perspective.

“The fact that I survived is a miracle, and that message stuck with me."

Levy had to relearn how to do everything without sight and said that simple daily tasks suddenly became monumental challenges, saying “It's a difficulty someone who can see wouldn't understand."

During this time of rehabilitation, he made up his mind to continue pursuing a career in law.

"I decided I would continue to fight for the country, and I wanted to do my legal internship at the State Attorney's Office."

Despite the overwhelming odds, Levy is a fighter and will fight for Israel even without his sight.

"I can’t fight on the battlefield in Gaza or the north, but I’m fighting serious crime for the country in the courtroom. No terrorist can diminish my motivation or take away my smile."

Ynet News reported that Levy’s aspirations reached the state attorney himself, who then presented the request to the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office (Criminal Division), asking for his candidacy to be considered.

Levy was still in the process of rehabilitation when he received the invitation for an interview.

"It was the first time I dealt with legal materials without being able to see them, thanks to my amazing brother, who continues to help me."

Levy has since been accepted onto a team that deals with serious crime under Attorney Assaf Shavit, and alongside Attorney Simi Yafit Deri, his mentor. The State Attorney’s Office has provided special software and two assistants from national services.

"While others can read through the material multiple times, I rely on my memory. My assistants, Yair and Ben, read the material to me once or twice, and I memorize it. I write legal opinions, argue in court, and appear before parole boards, handling everything like any other prosecutor," he said. “I feel like I’m living my dream.”