Former American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo donated blood and visited wounded soldiers at Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Center
Former head of the CIA and American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, together with his wife Susan, recently visited wounded soldiers and donated blood at Hadassah’s newly opened Gandel Rehabilitation Center, on Jerusalem’s Mount Scopus.
During the tour, the distinguished guests were given an overview of the treatment for rehabilitants - all of whom are IDF and security forces severely injured during the current war with Hamas. Many of the soldiers underwent complex surgeries at Hadassah Hospital and are now on their challenging rehabilitation journey.
Pompeo personally met IDF soldiers Rafael, Elazar, and Assaf, injured in Gaza, and police officer Timor, injured in Sderot, and heard from them about their injuries in battle and their impressive rehabilitation progress so far.
"I see that you've received a wonderful opportunity here, at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, to get back on your feet. It's amazing to hear about the condition you were in when you arrived and where you are today; it's truly inspiring," Pompeo said.
One of the soldiers told Pompeo, who had been an armoured corps commander in the American army, about sustaining severe burns in a tank. All of the patients praised the staff and healing environment of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center.
Pompeo added that he and his wife often visited American soldiers in the rehabilitation facilities of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, “and we understand what an important institution Hadassah’s new rehabilitation centre is.”
Subsequently, Pompeo and his wife donated blood at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center; highlighting the significance of the donation taking place precisely where lives are being renewed and lost abilities due to injuries are being restored.
"It's a great feeling to donate blood right here at Hadassah, with the thought that it could save an IDF soldier," said Pompeo, adding, "We knew we were coming to a place of immense giving and a special healing spirit, but now, after getting to know the security forces personnel and the Hadassah rehabilitation team, it's even more touching."
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