In a moving demonstration of solidarity with Israel’s healthcare workers and their sacrifices since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, the President of Israel, Yitzhak Herzog, and his wife, Michal, visited Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel.
On the last day of 2023, the President of Israel, Yitzhak Herzog, and his wife, Michal, visited Rambam, met with hospital executives, visited wounded soldiers, and expressed their appreciation to hundreds of hospital staff. Rambam’s director general, Professor Michael Halberthal welcomed President Herzog and his wife, Michal, and briefed them on hospital activities since the outbreak of the war, and the wide range of advanced treatments provided at the hospital.
President and Mrs. Herzog also met with wounded soldiers hospitalized at Rambam, together with their families.
Their visit concluded with a gathering of hundreds of staff in the hospital’s Cheryl Spencer Auditorium. The President asked to hear about how the staff felt during this challenging time. Some of the staff addressed the need to not return to the divisive political discourse that existed in the nation before October 7. Others highlighted the harmony and respect experienced at Rambam between Rambams’ diverse multicultural staff – something that they deeply appreciate and do not take for granted.
During the meeting, President Herzog thanked everyone. “On behalf of the nation, I want to express my gratitude to you. Israel’s entire healthcare system is coping in the face of a challenge never before experienced. You are an anchor for many individuals across the country, but Rambam is the anchor of the North. This was evident during my meeting with the families of the wounded soldiers. These meetings reinforced the appreciation individuals have for Rambam.”
“My belief in the Israeli story is unwavering,” President Herzog declared. “I believe in the ‘hidden light’ within our society that is, sadly, being revealed because of what has happened. We are seeing difficult things; we visit the released hostages and the wounded in their homes; we visit evacuees and witness their profound pain. But, we also see tremendous strength, and I call that the ‘hidden light’ that is now being revealed.”
President Herzog concluded, “I salute you and hope we soon return to normal. Thank you very much for succeeding in all your endeavors. Good health to you and your families.”
Click below to watch a video about the President's visit to Rambam.