In 2012, while climbing Mount Everest and about 300 meters below the summit, Ben Yehuda encountered an unconscious and severely injured climber from Turkey, and immediately began rescue efforts that also involved his own risk of life. During the descent he had to remove the gloves from his right hand, and his oxygen system ceased to function. The rescue ended successfully with both men alive, but as a result Ben Yehuda suffered severe physical injuries, including serious concerns of an amputation of his right hand's fingers. For this act he was awarded a Presidential Medal of Honor at the President's Award for Volunteering ceremony. During this climbing season of spring 2012, 10 climbers have died on Mount Everest.