1,000 patients, 5 evacuated hospitals, 350 children—Rambam’s fortified hospital is Northern Israel’s medical anchor in wartime.
On the eleventh day of war, Rambam Health Care Campus is making history. With nearly 1,000 patients receiving care in its Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital (FUEH)—the highest volume ever treated in the facility—Rambam has become a cornerstone for emergency medical response in Northern Israel.
In addition to caring for their own patients, the FUEH is now caring for evacuees from five regional hospitals: Carmel Medical Center, Fliman Rehabilitation Center, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center (including Sha’ar Menashe Mental Health Center), Shoham Geriatric Center, and Wolfson Medical Center. Despite the extreme conditions, every patient is receiving compassionate and dignified care.
Meanwhile, life continues—even underground. Rambam staff are able to focus on their lifesaving work with peace of mind, knowing their own children are close by and safe. Approximately 350 children, ages 3 months to 12 years, are being cared for in a dedicated daycare center within the FUEH Since the war began, Rambam has treated 213 individuals suffering from war-related injuries and psychological distress. Most were discharged with mild injuries or anxiety, but 10 remain hospitalized with more serious wounds.
On Friday, June 20, the war hit close to home. A missile landed in downtown Haifa, less than two kilometers from Rambam. Shortly afterward, 31 people were admitted to the Eckstein Shock Trauma Room. Among them were 16-year-old Itay Mason from Netanya and his father David, a new immigrant from Manchester, England.
What was meant to be a quiet weekend turned traumatic when the two took shelter under a bridge. Both were struck by shrapnel. Itay suffered a near-fatal neck injury; David was wounded in the upper body. In a race against time, Itay underwent emergency surgery. Dr. Wisam Matanis, attending pediatric ENT specialist in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, and Dr. Roee Noy, a resident in the same department, successfully removed two shards of shrapnel that were lodged just 1 millimeter from a major artery. “It was a miracle,” said David, who is now recovering with his son in the underground hospital. “Itay’s had a few accidents before, but we Brits believe we have 11 lives—so we’re still okay.”
Itay Mason at Rambam, holding up the shrapnel removed from his neck.
Amid the chaos of war, stories of hope and humanity continue to unfold. Amit Samana, 26, from Afula—a third-year nursing student and father of one—joined the Ezer Mizion National Bone Marrow Registry when he enlisted in the IDF in 2017. Just days ago, he was informed he was a match for a small child in need of a bone marrow transplant.
With travel to the central collection center in Petah Tikva impossible due to security concerns, Ezer Mizion turned to Rambam. The donation was safely carried out inside the FUEH.
“As a father, it moved me deeply,” shared Amit. “When they said Rambam, my response was immediate: ‘Let’s do it!’”
Rambam’s Blood Bank, fully operational throughout the conflict, supported the donation. The team proudly notes that the FUEH may be the safest medical facility in the country right now—deep underground and fully equipped.
Amit Samana after donating his bone marrow in Rambam's FUEH.
Even in wartime, saving lives comes first. And at Rambam, that mission continues—every day, without pause.
All Photography: Rambam HCC
