Prof. Moti Klein, director of the Intensive Care Unit, reflected: "We searched the medical literature for information on similar cases to better understand how to treat Elma. However, we were unable to find any similar cases. Elma's situation was unique due to the starvation, denial of medication, and systematic abuse she endured. We have not encountered any other case like this in the world. In our initial conversation with the family, we quickly realized Elma herself was the beacon we would follow. Her strength, positive attitude, and optimism shone through in her eyes. From her, we learned about the medical implications of prolonged suffering and neglect in captivity and what resources would be required from modern medicine.
Prof. Leonid Barsky, director of Internal Medicine Department, added "Elma's health deteriorated due to lack of medical treatment for chronic illnesses that she was suffering from even before her abduction and acute diseases that she acquired during her captivity. Her treatment required the cooperation of experts from various fields, the dedication of the nursing staff, and emotional support. The entire team shares in the great success of Elma's treatment."
Sharon Azulay, social worker, added "I remember my excitement when they informed me I would be taking care of Elma and her family. I met a strong, supportive, loving family whose members never stopped caring for each other. I was with them through their ups and downs, and we worked together to prepare for Elma's discharge from the hospital after a long stay. I feel privileged to have been a part of Elma's treatment, helping her and her family during this challenging time."
Michal Vared, her physical therapist shared: "When the Rehabilitation team began treating Elma, she was extremely thin, covered in bruises, and in dire need of support. The excruciating pain from the severe wounds on her legs, which were inflicted when she was dragged around, made the rehabilitation process incredibly challenging. Every day, I prayed that I would see Elma the next morning. A multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists treated Elma. Today, she is a vibrant, cheerful older woman who requires some assistance. She can walk, dance, and even hold her new granddaughter. I was honored to treat such a brave, humble, and resilient woman."
Uri, Elma's son, said with emotion: "She arrived at Soroka in the nick of time. We cannot thank you enough for your dedicated and life-saving work. This amazing hospital provided my mother and our family with unwavering dedication, love, care, empathy, professionalism, attention, and kindness.“
Elma shared: “I feel wonderful thanks to everyone who helped me. I survived to see my children and my family. My message is that the hostages must be released now, now!"
Dr. Shlomi Codish, director general, stated: In November 2023, we were entrusted with the grave responsibility of treating released hostages whose medical conditions required urgent attention. Elma arrived at Soroka in critical condition, on the verge of death. We believe that she would not have survived one more day in the Hamas tunnels. It was our privilege and honor to accompany her and her family throughout the rehabilitation process at Soroka.”
