Stories of Resilience:
Healing The Wounded

Israel’s Iron Dome of Health – Soroka’s Story

Soroka Medical Center, just 22 miles from Gaza, has faced unprecedented challenges, exemplifying incomparable resilience, tirelessly providing critical medical care to those affected by the conflict. Soroka’s response to the horrors of October 7th, marked by the largest hospital mass-casualty event in its history, underscores its unwavering commitment to saving lives.

Within the first 24 hours, with 680 patients arriving at Soroka, the teams performed 85 surgeries, transfused 200 blood units, conducted 180 CT scans and received 15 helicopter landings. While the gravity of injuries and the relentless stream of patients strained the hospital’s resources, Soroka’s dedicated staff consistently exemplifies unwavering commitment and remarkable fortitude. In response to escalating needs, Soroka has expanded its capabilities, opening new intensive care and rehabilitation units to meet the surging needs.

President Isaac Herzog arrived on October 9 to visit the wounded, stating: In the hospital rooms at Soroka I see “what Israeli resilience is, what Israeli heroism is, with a huge heart, a sense of mission and unity”.

With Dr. Codish’s leadership, Soroka transformed into a sanctuary for the wounded, a fortress against terror. Soroka’s Deputy Director General, Dr. Dan Schwarzfuchs stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him, treating patients in the emergency unit around the clock. With an unwavering commitment to healing the body and spirit, Soroka Medical Center is a testament to cutting-edge medicine, compassion and innovation, a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

Soroka leads the medical response, treating thousands of wounded patients 

Collaborating closely with IDF leadership to address the evolving needs of the region. In anticipation of the release of the hostages, Soroka established a specialized unit to warmly welcome these individuals and their families for highly personalized medical treatment and care.

Among the first wounded received was a pregnant woman, her abdomen riddled with multiple gunshot wounds. The surgical report revealed the unimaginable: bullets extracted from her unborn child. Dr. Codish’s team also cared for a young woman shot in her pajamas, a child with four gunshot wounds, and twin babies found hours after the attacks, hidden in a safe room.

Maya Regev and her brother Itay, both held captive for 54 days after being kidnapped from the Supernova music festival, were brought to Soroka upon their release from captivity. Maya, having undergone complex surgical procedures on her left leg after being shot by terrorists, is now on her rehabilitation journey, supported by Soroka’s expert medical team. Itay reunited with his sister at Soroka, and both siblings were discharged after receiving the specialized care they needed.

Aisha and Bilal, released after enduring 55 days as hostages, also received comprehensive medical examinations and care at Soroka. With sensitivity and cultural awareness, Soroka established specialized care to support the siblings and their families throughout their recovery process. Both Aisha and Bilal were discharged following their treatment at Soroka.

Additionally, Soroka has provided essential care to Elma Avraham, an 84-year-old woman airlifted from Gaza in critical condition due to multi-system health issues. Under the vigilant care of Soroka’s specialist team, Elma is currently in stable condition.

On a subsequent visit, President Isaac Herzog’s stated: “It’s an immense honor to be here. Michal and I witnessed firsthand the resilience of this hospital and its staff during the war’s onset. Your unwavering dedication and strength in the face of adversity are truly remarkable.

Your tireless efforts showcase the extraordinary capabilities of our people in providing crucial medical care, both to civilians and soldiers, in unprecedented circumstances.” As the conflict persists, Soroka as Israel’s Medical Iron Dome, role as a lifeline becomes increasingly crucial. Thank you for being part of fortifying Soroka’s humanitarian promise to the people of Israel to provide outstanding, proactive medical care during this critical time.

Patient Highlight: Shachar Shiloni

Amidst an IDF operation in Khan Yunis, Staff Sergeant Shachar Shiloni sustained severe injuries to his left leg from enemy fire. He received immediate on-site treatment before being transported Soroka’s Trauma Center by helicopter. He was admitted to the General Intensive Care Unit, where a team of dedicated medical professionals worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition. Following initial care, Shachar was transferred to the Orthopedic Department to embark on a journey of rehabilitation and recovery.

Shachar recently returned to Soroka, accompanied by his family, to close the circle of his healing journey and express profound gratitude to the unwavering medical teams. His fiancée, Tamar, spoke from the heart, saying, “We returned to express our deepest gratitude, for the tireless care, the unwavering dedication, the love, the moments of joy, and the compassionate ears that listened. There is simply no one like you!”

Reflecting on Shachar’s remarkable journey, Dr. Ohad Gavai, a senior physician in the General Intensive Care Unit, shared, “Shachar arrived amidst the chaos of severe injury, facing the daunting challenge of losing part of his left leg. Following surgery, he remained sedated and ventilated for three days. Upon awakening, his first request was to put on tefillin. Witnessing this moment of profound faith amidst adversity was deeply moving for me. I extend my heartfelt wishes for his continued success in overcoming every obstacle and for the blossoming of a beautiful future with his fiancée. Shachar’s courage and heroism inspire us all.”

What a thrill to have Lizzy Savetsky at Soroka, visiting with wounded soldiers and encouraging them through their rehabilitation. In her words:
“Now it’s our turn to support Soroka, as they continue saving the lives of our heroes. You can all be @sorokafriends.”

Patient Highlight: Hadar from Kibbutz Be’eri

Hadar Bakar, a 13-year-old girl from Kibbutz Be’eri was treated at Soroka Medical Center in the early stages of the conflict. Hadar arrived at the hospital alongside her father, Aviad, both injured and in pain, mourning the loss of two beloved family members, her mother, Dana, and her 15-year-old brother, Carmel. During the height of the conflict, terrorists infiltrated their home, raining down gunfire and grenades upon the room where they sought refuge. For 13 hours, Hadar sent out distress signals, reaching out to all emergency services in a desperate attempt to summon help. Simultaneously, she courageously tried to save her injured family members who had lost consciousness.

Despite the immense trauma she endured, Hadar arrived at the hospital with resilience. “I was always taught to find joy and remain optimistic,” she shares. “And so, I wish the same for myself and my family. I know that ultimately, we will prevail.” Hadar received dedicated care from multidisciplinary teams, including trauma specialists, vascular surgeons, pediatric surgeons, and plastic surgeons.

Staff highlight: Nili Margalit

Nili Margalit, a 41-year-old pediatric emergency room nurse, exemplifies bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to others. When Hamas terrorists invaded her home in the Kibbutz Nir Oz community, they killed and kidnapped more than a quarter of the kibbutz residents. Amidst the chaos, Nili was taken hostage.

For nearly two months, Nili displayed extraordinary compassion in the face of adversity. In the underground confines of a tunnel, with scant medical provisions, she tended to her fellow hostages, many of whom were elderly and grappling with severe health issues. She managed to obtain essential medical supplies to help her treat the wounded and ailing hostages, helping others survive and demonstrating her unwavering commitment to healing even in the bleakest of circumstances. She resourcefully even used honey as a disinfectant.

Nili’s resilience extended beyond her role as a nurse. She became a symbol of hope, with medical professionals worldwide rallying behind her cause. Nili regained her freedom on Nov. 30. Her dedication to healing, even amidst captivity, serves as a universal beacon of inspiration.

Staff highlight: Rachel Mazuz, Labor and Delivery Nurse

Rachel Mazuz, a devoted Labor and Delivery nurse, faced the final weeks of her second pregnancy amidst tension and concern. Her husband, Lidor, serves as a reservist fighter in the Negev Brigade, having been called up when the conflict began. With profound joy and relief, Lidor managed to be by Rachel’s side for the birth of their son.

“Throughout the entire war, we hardly saw each other,” Rachel shares. “Especially since the ground offensive into the Gaza Strip, except for brief and infrequent phone calls.” One Saturday morning, Rachel informed Lidor that she was heading to the delivery room. Without hesitation, he rushed to be with her during the birth. Following the delivery, Rachel returned to her department, this time not as a nurse but as a new mother. “The team cared for me and looked after me just like they do for every laboring woman here,” Rachel says. “There’s nothing quite like Labor and Delivery Unit A, a truly remarkable team.”