Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, is prepared for every eventuality, including war. The hospital has already treated dozens of injured soldiers and civilians from across the country. While grappling with their trauma, visits from local Israeli entertainers are cheering them on.
Recovering from the physical and emotional trauma of war-related injuries is no easy task. This is as true for children as it is for adults. But there is nothing like music and laughter to bring healing to war-wounded patients.
During the weekend, Static, a talented Haifa-born singer and his partner Rona Lee, the star of the renowned TV series “Fauda” and dancer, visited the wounded soldiers at Rambam. The two met and talked with the recovering soldiers, listened to their stories, and encouraged them in their heroic battles for health.
On Monday, a group of local comedians, including Ben Ben Baruch, Nadav Abukasis, and Israel Katorza, as well as actor Idan Alterman and the popular singer Benaia Barabi, made their way to Rambam. Some came at their own initiative, others had been asked by the soldiers’ families to come and help draw them out of their pain, even if only for a little while.
The entertainers visit one of the wounded soldiers.
Photography: Rambam HCC.
While the wounded individuals receive support from their families and the exceptional medical and nursing staff at Rambam, the therapeutic effect of recognition from celebrities cannot be underestimated. The entertainers acknowledged the patients’ heroic actions and offered words of encouragement.
Katorza’s unique sense of humor had the patients smiling and laughing. At the same time, Barabi sang a moving rendition of ‘Changes in the Weather’ by Shlomo Artzi, a song that speaks about shifting circumstances and holds a special place in the heart of one of the wounded soldiers.
Following their visit with the patients, the artists explored the world-renowned Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital, While touring the underground hospital, the entertainers provided a significant morale boost to the dedicated surgical, medical, and Home Front Command teams who have supported Rambam’s efforts since the outset of the conflict.
This morning, Danny Robas visited Rambam and sang a solo to a wounded soldier recovering from his injuries. The soldier is a long-time fan, and the Robas’ visit raised his spirits immensely.
Danny Robas singing to one of the patients. Photography: Rambam HCC.
We all pray that this conflict, now in its third week, will end soon and calm will be restored. In the meantime, Rambam salutes the bravery and heroism of those on the frontlines.
Special note regarding photos: Soldier’s faces blurred for reasons of national security.
Click here to listen to singer and composer Benaia Barabi sing ‘Changes of Weather’ to one of the hospitalized soldiers.