In the harrowing terror attack that took place last Thursday at the a-Zaim checkpoint near Ma'ale Adumim, staff members from Hadassah Hospital found themselves at the heart of an incident while either heading to their morning shift or returning from a night shift. Despite the chaos, their immediate response was to assist the injured on-site and save lives.
Among those who encountered the scene were Sapir Aharon, an emergency room nurse; Dr Hader Laith, an internal medicine and emergency room physician; Amit Ararat, an emergency room nurse; and Naama Rosenfeld, a midwife. Amidst the turmoil, they each quickly sprang into action to aid the wounded.
Sapir heard gunfire close to her car as she was returning from a night shift. Realising something terrible was unfolding, she stopped her vehicle and rushed to help a young woman in her twenties, covered in blood after being shot. Without any medical equipment but with a deep understanding of the need to stop the bleeding, Sapir managed to provide first aid until an ambulance arrived. She reflected on her actions, noting that the instincts of a nurse kick in, regardless of the setting.
Dr Hader was on his way to work after dropping his children off at their grandmother's house when he witnessed a woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her hands. He immediately stopped and, along with nurse Amit who was with him, began providing critical first aid. "Working together, we applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding," he shared. "In moments such as these, your only focus is on what you can do to help save someone's life. That's a doctor's duty, no matter where you are".
Amit emphasised the severity of the bleeding, noting how he used the tourniquet, also used by teams in Gaza, to stop the woman's bleeding.
Naama, who had just finished her shift in the maternity ward, was driving on her way home when she was caught up in the attack and stuck in a slow traffic jam. Hearing shooting and seeing security forces with drawn weapons, she understood the gravity of the situation. As a uniformed medical professional, she felt compelled to offer any assistance needed before the ambulance arrived. Although she had no medical supplies, her presence provided a calming influence in a chaotic environment.
Sapir, Dr Hader, Amit, and Naama: Your bravery and quick thinking in a critical moment highlight the incredible dedication and humanity of Hadassah Hospital staff. Thank you for your selflessness and courage. You are true heroes among us!
Back to Newsletter