Director-General of Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem Prof. Ofer Merin was interviewed on Fox News. He discussed the ongoing challenges Israel and the Hospital face in the upcoming days as the IDF prepares to enter Gaza, and expressed how grateful Israel is to have the support of the international community.
This war is beyond anything we have ever known, and the repercussions are being felt throughout the entire Hospital.
To date, Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem has treated over 150 soldiers, civilians, and police officers. For the first time in decades, the athletic field adjacent to the hospital has been transformed into a helipad to accommodate civilian and military medivac transports.
We have opened a dedicated emergency department for mental health care where we are treating patients suffering from shock and other emotional issues directly related to the war.
A Level 1 Trauma Center, Shaare Zedek Medical Center has extensive experience dealing with trauma cases of all types. Every indication right now is that this war will continue for some time. We are currently focused on ensuring we are prepared, on all levels, for an increase in terror attacks and unrest within our cities and the Jerusalem corridor.
This includes adding additional ICUs, increasing our maternity wards and NICU equipment, and ensuring that all departments are housed in sheltered areas of the Hospital and will be safe in the event of missile attacks. To do so, there is an immediate need to purchase equipment in the total amount of over $5 million.
These are some of the toughest days our nation has faced in its modern history and the fear and trauma are a constant reality. Our Shaare Zedek community has already lost numerous children and close relatives to the battle and hundreds of staff members have been called into IDF reserve duty.
Our mandate has always been to respond to the medical needs of the community we are blessed to serve, and we are working tirelessly to uphold that commitment. To do so we will need the continued support of our friends around the world.
We pray for better days and thank you for your help during this devastating time as Israel fights for its citizens and Jews around the world.