Staying true to oneself, overcoming immense challenges—including from a wheelchair—and breaking barriers faced by ultra-Orthodox women were at the heart of Employment Diversity Week at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam). Diversity Week aligns with the World Day for Cultural Diversity—a United Nations observance promoting diversity and intercultural dialogue.
Sapir Berman at Rambam's Employment Diversity Week. Photography: Rambam HCC
This week marks the seventh consecutive year that Rambam has celebrated Employment Diversity Week at Rambam. Hospital employees are exposed to a rich set of inspiring events highlighting the importance of inclusion and living in harmony. These events showcase powerful examples of diversity that are shaping society and building the Israel of 2025.
Nearly every Israeli household knows the story of Sapir Berman, Premier League football referee. Her face lights up television screens nationwide. Her journey reflects individuality and the power of authenticity. Hence, Sapir Berman was interviewed and gave a lecture for the benefit of Rambam employees.
Another well-known interviewee was Branu Tegene, one of Israel’s leading television reporters. He reminisced with an emotional account of his complex life. Immigrating from Ethiopia as a child, Tegene overcame significant challenges and rose to media fame.
Branu Tegene at Rambam
Photography: Rambam HCC
Another highlight of this week’s events is the opportunity to meet some remarkable Rambam employees. One is a psychologist who hasn’t let being in a wheelchair prevent her from achieving professional and personal success. The other is an ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) woman who has broken societal barriers and now serves as a valued, full member of Rambam’s nursing staff.
Rambam embraces multiculturalism and diversity as a way of life and is setting an example with impressive data: 34% of the government-employed staff belong to the Arab sector, far surpassing national targets; women hold 62% of senior management positions; and 3.4% of employees are individuals with disabilities.
“Our goal is to raise employment diversity awareness across the campus,” explains Attorney Nardeen Sbait, the hospital’s employment diversity officer. “Occupational diversity is customary and accepted worldwide and in international companies. Rambam understands that diversity is the secret to our success, and we invest in it."
Attorney Nardeen Sbait
Photography: Rambam HCC
An example of the hospital's employment diversity program is Rambam's training course for Haredi women. The medical secretary role is well suited to Haredi women—typically, the job is mornings only, Sunday to Thursday, with no weekend or late-night shifts. “We launched a tailored training course for this sector wishing to enter the workforce. Once trained, these women excel in this role,” affirms Sbait.
