In May 2012, 24-year-old Israeli climber Nadav Ben‑Yehuda was just 300 meters from the summit of Mount Everest, climbing in the deadly “death zone” where oxygen is dangerously low. It was the final stretch of a dream he had trained for many years. But when he found a Turkish climber, Aydin Irmak, unconscious and freezing, Nadav chose to help him instead.
His story remains a powerful reminder that on the world’s highest mountain, saving a life can be more important than reaching the top.
Nadav Spots A Climber In Danger
As Nadav Ben‑Yehuda neared the peak, he saw Aydin lying on the icy slope. The man had severe altitude sickness and injuries, and several climbers had already passed him, a harsh reality at that height. “I’d passed two fresh corpses,”
Nadav said later as per BBC report. “He was unconscious. He had no gloves. No oxygen. No crampons. No cover… He was waiting for the end.”
Giving Up The Summit To Save A Life
Instead of continuing to the top, Nadav Ben‑Yehuda gave Aydin his oxygen and stayed with him. For nearly nine hours, he carried, supported, and guided the injured climber down the mountain. The “death zone” is extremely dangerous, where every step can be fatal, but Nadav focused only on keeping Aydin alive. He ignored his own safety, suffering frostbite in four fingers and two toes.
A Harrowing Nine-Hour Descent
The journey down was slow and exhausting. Aydin kept waking up in pain, which made the climb even harder. Nadav Ben‑Yehuda carefully navigated the icy slopes, ensuring the injured man didn’t fall or collapse. Every minute was a fight against freezing temperatures, thin air, and fatigue. But Nadav never stopped, proving that courage and selflessness can matter more than ambition.
Doctors Confirm the Rescue Was Critical
By the time they reached base camp, both climbers were battered and exhausted, but alive. Doctors later confirmed that Nadav Ben‑Yehuda’s quick actions had saved Aydin’s life.
The rescue became one of the clearest examples of humanity triumphing over personal goals in one of the world’s deadliest places.
Life After the Everest Rescue
Nadav never reached the summit that day, but his act earned him international recognition and lasting respect. He continued climbing, including summiting Mount Kazbeck in Georgia, but the Everest rescue remains his most famous moment.
His story is a lasting reminder that even at the top of the world, compassion and courage can outweigh ambition
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