Mira and I are deeply grateful to Hadassah Australia for the opportunity to visit the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Mount Scopus on January 8, 2025. Our Hadassah guide, Jeanne, led us through this still-under-construction, state-of-the-art facility with great care, ensuring our visit remained respectful to patients receiving treatment.
The centre currently houses 70 inpatient beds, with plans to expand to 140, and includes two future outpatient care floors. Jeanne began our tour in the underground basement carpark, transformed into an ICU in just 10 days following the tragic events of October 7, 2023. Thankfully, it remains pristine and unused, a testament to Israeli ingenuity during crisis.
As we moved through the building, the cutting-edge equipment was remarkable—virtual floor soccer, hydrotherapy pools with underwater exercise machines—but what truly stood out were the people. I don’t say this lightly. People smiling willing to go that extra mile, coercing, pushing in a manner that evoked a sense of partnership. Every staff member radiated compassion and dedication, genuinely there for the patients, who ranged in age, background, and recovery needs.
When thinking about the rehabilitation currently, we think of the war casualties. But this centre while doing just that, is also reaching out into the community. From occupational and physical therapy to relearning daily tasks in simulated kitchens and supermarkets, the centre addresses every aspect of rehabilitation with care and innovation for people of diverse ages and diverse backgrounds, individuals with a multitude of different requirements.
One physical highlight is the pool adjacent to the hydrotherapy pool. This particular pool is equipped with a remarkable metal contraption that changes the level of one section of the pool floor. This metal floor is fitted with a walking machine and a bicycle all of which operate underwater. An underwater gym!
We met Shlomi, now an outpatient recovering from severe injuries sustained in Gaza in October 2023. His horrific story highlighted his determination, resilience and above all, his appreciation for the care he continues to receive. His story was both humbling and inspiring. Now preparing to return to work as an IT specialist, he’s learning the piano to improve dexterity, and determined to rejoin his unit, Shlomi embodies the spirit of determination nurtured at Hadassah.
The Gandel Rehabilitation Center is an incredible world class 21st century facility. The human factor is beyond words. Hopefully with time the centre will not only reach its full potential, but the ‘mix’ of patient care will become more of a communal nature, not focusing on patients resulting from war.
Our visit concluded in the serene Therapeutic Garden, a space that reflects the ethos of Hadassah.
Peace, Peace and more Peace.
Our sincere thanks again to Jeanne and Hadassah Australia for this incredible experience.
Am Ysrael Chai.
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