Through its Solidarity Missions, Hadassah internationally has displayed incredible support for Israel since the horrific events of October 7 last year. Just being there in Israel to comfort, share and show solidarity with the victims of terror and to console the families of the hostages and those displaced, as well as meet with people, visit Hadassah Hospital and see its amazing work in action, was so important.
Hadassah’s missions in January and March, with participants from USA, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Europe and Australia included, in March, community leader and long-time Hadassah supporter, Richard Rogers, who was deeply moved and inspired by the people, the leaders and the places they experienced.
A pivotal moment during Hadassah's Solidarity Mission in mid-March was when the group connected with the families of the hostages.
Hostages Square’s powerful art installations featuring symbolic portrayals honouring the missing hostages are a place where people gather to share their pain and identify with the families of the missing hostages.
Meeting Jonathan Goldberg and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, missing hostage Hersh's parents, left a lasting impact. Rachel wore a tag with the number 166 on it, symbolising how many days her son had been in captivity since October 7. The participants said it was also very emotional to hear Jonathan’s brilliant words and to listen to Rachel’s story as she spoke about how Hersh was injured in the attack, losing his arm from the elbow down due to a grenade explosion. Despite unimaginable pain in relating the story, Rachel showed incredible strength.
Richard Rogers noted the heart-rending visit to Kfar Azza and the Nova Music Festival site. He said, “In particular having the experience of a resident leading us and taking us into her mother’s home and for 45 minutes and giving a step-by-step description of the hours she, her children, brother and mother experienced being attacked by terrorists until many hours later being rescued by the IDF, moved many of us to tears”.
The Hadassah Solidarity Mission learned how Hadassah Medical Organization has responded to the war and what will be needed in future to care for those in need. Being at the forefront of medical efforts, ensuring secure continuous care for patients, and bringing forward the opening of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center are all a testament to the attitude, leadership and innovative technologies that make Hadassah a pioneer of health in Israel.
A real highlight of the Mission was having people witness the impact of the vital, life reaffirming work that is being done in Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Center for those who so desperately need rehabilitative care. As Richard confirmed, "It was a deeply moving experience; the sheer size and scope of the building are astounding and awe-inspiring. And seeing the equipment and the simulated supermarket and apartment that bring regular needed activities for rehabilitating patients to life, make it very real. It was eminently clear how important Gandel will be for the large numbers of acute rehabilitative treatments in both physical and mental injuries once it is completed".
Solidarity, comfort and love – being together on a mission for understanding the truth of the unforgivable events of October 7 and the way forward with hope and desire to live in peace.
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