Hospital’s beacon of hope
SINCE OCTOBER 7, 2023, Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem has been working around the clock to support the lives of those affected by the war in Israel. The moment news circulated of the Hamas infiltration in the south of Israel, our medical teams were in place and ready to receive patients.
Under the expert leadership of Professor Ofer Merin and his team, the hospital immediately opened an emergency mental health centre to support people affected by events and soon after, critically injured patients started arriving at the trauma department.
For the first time in decades, the local training ground for Beitar Jerusalem was transformed into the hospital helipad, which, sadly, remains in constant use, with wounded soldiers arriving on a daily basis.
Since the beginning of the war, Shaare Zedek has treated almost 600 patients. This number includes those injured from initial attacks in the south, subsequent terror attacks that have happened in Jerusalem and an increasing number of wounded soldiers. Often they arrive in critical condition, many with damaged limbs or suffering with severe burns.
One of the wounded, who cannot be named, so will be called B, is 27. He was injured in an horrific explosion from a booby-trapped tunnel near Beit Hanoun. He had to have his leg amputated, but after 63 days he left Shaare Zedek with remarkable strength and determination.
Before he was wounded, B was an excellent mountain climber and in his leaving speech to the medical teams that saved his life he shared, “After I get used to the prosthetic — which is really just a good replacement for a foot — of course I’ll go back to climbing and I’ll also break records in Paralympic sports. And if they’d just let me, I’d go back to Gaza as well.”
Another incredible story is that of Elisha Meidan, who was critically injured in an explosion that killed and seriously injured many other soldiers. He was in our care for 53 days, requiring multiple orthopaedic and plastic surgery procedures and had to have both his legs amputated. On leaving Shaare Zedek to continue his journey of rehabilitation he said: “The huge miracle was that I landed at this hospital. There is no way I would be this healthy, joyful and optimistic if not for all of you. This type of medical team is the dream of any critically injured patient. From the cleaners to the paramedic staff, the nurses, doctors and hospital management, you are all an incredible team. Thank you for saving my life.”
We are exceptionally proud that it is British support that continues to enable the lifesaving care at Shaare Zedek, particularly in the Gerald Leigh Shock and Trauma Unit and the Weinstock Department of Emergency Medicine, where support from UK donors is literally rebuilding and transforming lives.
Dr Alon Schwartz, head of the trauma unit, and his team, are credited with the many success stories of injured soldiers now in rehab. Dr Schwartz says: “Every day, our trauma unit is treating Israeli heroes, soldiers arriving straight from the fighting in Gaza and other areas. We are astounded by their emotional strength and that of their families and we draw our strength and inspiration from them, to give them the most dedicated treatment and care we possibly can.”
The solidarity of the staff of Shaare Zedek, Jerusalem inhabitants who come from all races and cultures, has been extraordinary and is indicative of the remarkable spirit of unity that has always defined Shaare Zedek. The hospital stands as a beacon of strength and resilience, providing crucial medical care and unwavering support to the community, even in the face of adversity.
As Israel and the global Jewish community grapples with these challenging days, the message from Shaare Zedek is clear: the work must continue and the need for your support has never been greater.
Your donations will make an immeasurable difference. Your generosity will save lives. Every contribution, no matter the size, counts and will go towards essential equipment and resources urgently needed by Shaare Zedek Medical Centre.
To make a donation or learn more about our work, go to shaarezedek.org.uk
The huge miracle was that I landed at this hospital