I returned from Israel last week with a renewed sense of purpose for my role on the Board of Hadassah Australia as well as in my role at JCCV.
During my visit I was struck by the gracious welcome that every visitor to Israel receives. Israelis cannot overstate how appreciative they are that we have travelled to show our support during this extremely difficult time. But appreciation works both ways.
Front of Gandel Rehabilitation Center
During my awe-inspiring day at Hadassah Ein Kerem and at Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Mount Scopus, I was particularly struck by the palpable spirit of cooperation on display, showing me what we Jews, orthodox and secular, Arabs, both Christian and Moslem and those of other diverse backgrounds, can achieve together. I was inspired by the meetings with medical leaders, leaders from all walks of life, with no one making an issue of where they come from and whether they wear a kippah or a head scarf. Healthcare is the only relevant vector. And I heard life-changing stories of world-class research and patient healing from caring professionals running departments under trying circumstances, they and their teams making good things happen.
I was overwhelmed at the realisation that Hadassah’s Gandel Rehabilitation Center, a stunning structure, was fast-tracked to partially open just three months ago in the midst of a war, responding to an urgent need for rehabilitation beds. And, although only limited floors are currently active, how Hadassah managed to pull it off is amazing. What a facility – it goes beyond all expectations for acute rehabilitative needs. The patients, mostly soldiers, expressed their sincere thanks for being able to be there. I look forward to returning to see it fully functional, treating at full capacity, for both physical and mental needs – hopefully very soon.
I came away from Hadassah knowing that they understand how to empower medical professionals and patients to achieve their full potential. And I understand that soon, Hadassah will be the only hospital with the unique ability to provide much-needed specialised care for patients moving from emergency surgery and trauma to acute rehabilitation at Gandel.
I left Israel understanding that Israelis are traumatised but strong. Israelis know what needs to be done: the hostages need to be returned and Hamas needs to be defeated. It is simple.
We here in Australia know that too. Along with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world, we are together in our love for the homeland and in our expression of “Am Israel Chai”.
In the Pesach spirit, I wish you peace and joy.
Philip Zajac
Board Director - Hadassah Australia
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