One year after the devastating attacks on communities in the Gaza envelope and the Nova Festival, hundreds of employees at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, gathered to remember that fateful day and its aftermath.
To mark the solemnity surrounding October 7, 2023 and support Rambam’s bereaved families, hundreds of Rambam employees gathered this morning for a memorial ceremony held in the hospital lobby.
The ceremony began with a heartfelt eulogy by Sarit Alkouby, a member of Rambam’s Rheumatology Institute and widow of Lt. Col. Netanel (Nati) Alkouby z”l. Nati, a father of five and the son of the late Miriam Alkouby, a retired nurse at Rambam, served bravely on the front lines and was tragically killed in action on February 12—the day he was meant to return home from reserve duty.
Sarit Alkouby eulogizes her husband with Professor Michael Halberthal at her side.
Photography: Rambam HCC
Sarit shared her story: “On October 7, my beloved husband woke up to a phone call. From the moment I heard his response, I knew something terrible had happened.” Nati quickly packed his gear and left for the south. “We embraced and said goodbye,” she recalled, “The light in my eyes stayed until the day he fell. Now, it’s my children who keep my heart alive, and I thank God for them every day. They teach me how to hold on to life and find joy despite everything.” Sarit also touched the crowd when she noted that today was the birthday of her twin sons Aviad and Evitar. “I choose to share this painful story with them in a spirit of hope, of life, and continuity.”
Liat Ariel, director of Psychological Services at Rambam, reflected on the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict: “Since October 7, it feels like one tragedy follows another, and our homes have turned into battlefields. But our work at Rambam gives us an anchor—it brings us meaning and purpose, helping us every day to confront the overwhelming pain and challenges, to keep feeling, giving, and doing.”
In a poignant speech, Rambam’s Director General, Professor Michael Halberthal, added: “It has been a year since our finest citizens were brutally murdered in their homes—mothers and children in their beds. One hundred and one hostages, including a baby and a small child, soldiers, young men and women, and the elderly remain in Hamas captivity. The horrors of October 7 will never be forgotten. Our entire nation is still in mourning, wounded, and in pain. My deepest condolences go to the bereaved families whose loved ones were murdered in cold blood. This is a day of remembrance, but also of resilience. As hospital staff, we are a symbol of the home front’s strength during the Swords of Iron War, demonstrating the mutual responsibility that binds together the diverse cultures and communities of Israel.” He went on to say, “We share a single goal—to aid every wounded person, every patient, regardless of religion, race, or nationality. Together, let’s continue to be a beacon of light in these dark times, showing the world our strength.” He concluded with a powerful message: “We will remember the fallen, support the injured, and work tirelessly for the return of the hostages. We will rebuild and restore the State of Israel with pride and faith in a better future.”
The ceremony took place next to a photography exhibition by Micha Birkman, who documented the tragic events in Kibbutz Be'eri and was later drafted as a military photographer serving in Gaza.
The exhibition of the works of Micha Birkman.
Photography: Rambam HCC
