03/06/2026
Moshe Koblenz, who works in logistics and event production in the Judean Desert, had just returned home to Tekoa after a long desert trek. It was dark, and as he got out of the car wearing open sandals, he accidentally stepped on a snake and was bitten.
At first, Moshe felt little pain, but sensing something was wrong, he quickly went to a neighbour’s house to seek help. Moments later, he collapsed. A community nurse was called, identified the bite and arranged for an ambulance to take him urgently to Hadassah Ein Kerem.
During the journey, Moshe remained conscious but suffered severe pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Initially, he assumed he would receive anti-venom and recover. However, doctors soon identified signs consistent with a bite from the Israeli Mole Viper, the only snake in Israel whose venom is primarily associated with serious cardiac complications. There is no antivenom for this species in Israel or anywhere in the world.
Dr Roy Kofman, an internal medicine specialist and cardiology resident at Hadassah Ein Kerem, recognised that Moshe’s heart was severely affected. His heart activity was weak, with a dangerous reduction in contraction. The team admitted him to the cardiology intensive care unit and prepared for the possibility that he may need ECMO support if his condition deteriorated.
Instead, the team began intensive treatment with high-dose oxygen and medications to strengthen heart contraction and dilate blood vessels affected by the venom. The first six hours were critical, with doctors closely monitoring Moshe’s vital signs.
Thanks to immediate intervention and expert care, his condition began to improve within hours. According to Dr Kofman, Moshe’s heart is now recovering and functioning normally, and he is getting stronger.
Prof Kobi Assaf, a Hadassah emergency medicine expert who specialises in venomous animal injuries, said such cases are rare and require precise, rapid treatment.
Moshe said the speed of the response saved his life. His story is a reminder of the importance of urgent care, specialist expertise and Hadassah’s lifesaving readiness.
