Associate Professor Joel Symons
In response to the devastating events of October 7, I made an easy decision to travel to Israel and offer my expertise as an anaesthesiologist.
The call to action was unequivocal, given the nation’s unimaginable loss in the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
Hospitals were in dire need of medical professionals to fill the void left by those who had been called to do army reserve duties (“miluim”).
The Israeli healthcare system, despite the immense challenges, had to continue functioning.
I was fortunate to volunteer at Hadassah Ein Kerem in March and December of last year.
These experiences were transformative, as I have witnessed an unprecedented level of humility, compassion and gratitude among the patients and staff.
During my second visit in December, I was honoured to present the department of anaesthesiology with an ORSIM, a device that Hadassah Australia had raised funds for through donations from Australian doctors who wanted to support Israel during this challenging time.
"I have witnessed an unprecedented level of humility, compassion and gratitude."
This cutting-edge device is revolutionising the training of Hadassah’s anaesthetists, intensivists and emergency physicians, offering them realistic virtual reality scenarios to refine their bronchoscopy skills.
The hands-on experience is enhancing their ability to save lives and improve patient outcomes.
This initiative exemplifies the invaluable contributions of Australian Jewry to the Israeli healthcare system.
Hadassah is a beacon for peace.
Perched on top of Mount Scopus in East Jerusalem, Hadassah Hospital stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of diverse cultures in providing healthcare.
Its counterpart and the larger campus, Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, is situated on a hill overlooking the town of Ein Kerem in West Jerusalem.
The strategic positioning of these hospitals reflects their status as among the finest in Israeli healthcare, embodying the success of multiculturalism in both professional and patient environments.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Hadassah who welcomed me with such warmth and hospitality.
Associate Professor Joel Symons is an anaesthetist at the Alfred Hospital and Department of Critical Care at the University of Melbourne.