A relatively modest celebration was held at Rambam this week, during which representatives of the Ofer Group signed a pledge to donate $25,000,000 to Rambam. This magnanimous contribution is earmarked for two main purposes: $17,000,000 for the 500-bed underground hospital, to be used during emergencies [such as rocket attacks], and $7,000,000 to renovate our existing Departments of Surgery, Urology, and ENT.

This is one of the largest donations to a public institution made by a single person. Rambam, which has yet to receive the funds it was promised by the government for protecting the civilian population and members of the armed forces who are treated at Rambam during emergencies, expressed its heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of Mr. Sami Ofer.

Participating in the ceremony were senior members of the Ofer Group and those of Rambam. Here are some comments that were made at the ceremony.

Mr. Udi Angel, CEO Zim: "Many rich people grew up in Haifa, but it's still difficult to get them to contribute to Haifa. The determination of the medical and nursing staff of Rambam during the war made us want to contribute. Sami Ofer is a businessman known throughout the world, but he always worries about Israel. His connection to and concern about the state and his desire to contribute and change things made him look for a way to donate his money. He felt that the activities of the medical staff during the war deserved a medal and that Rambam deserved a prize. It's important to stress that the donation is given not only for devoted service during the war but also for the daily dedication of the staff to the citizens."

Mr. Eidan Ofer, son of Mr. Sami Ofer: "As an ex-Haifa-ite, the connection of Sami and his family with the area around the hospital is very special. As a child, he grew up near the sea, not far from Rambam. We hope that other contributions will follow and that the government will also provide more support."

Prof. Rafael Beyar: "We extend sincere appreciation to the Ofer family and to Sami Ofer for this historical donation to the city of Haifa in general and to Rambam in particular. I hope that within a few months we will begin to see the fruits of this amazing contribution, not only to Rambam but to the citizens of the north in general. The need for an underground hospital became obvious last summer. I believe that this contribution will play a significant role in the development of industry and economics in Haifa."