As war rages above, life continues below ground at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam). From caring for premature babies and treating the wounded, to comforting children in the fortified daycare center—compassion, resilience, and healing endure. Even under fire, Rambam finds a way.
To protect and care for our patients, Rambam opened the Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital (FUEH) on June 13, 2025 where they—along with those transferred from Carmel Medical Center and Fliman Rehabilitation Hospital—are being cared for.
Underground Daycare
More than 300 children of staff from all three hospitals, ages 3 months to 12 years, are enrolled in Rambam’s unique daycare center located on the minus-2 level of the FUEH. Professional educators, staff members, and volunteers fill their days with joy, enrichment, and play. This extraordinary facility was created based on lessons learned during the Swords of Iron War.
Tinka, a beloved member of Rambam’s staff, is a gentle therapeutic dog often seen spreading cheer across the hospital. During a recent alarm, a touching scene unfolded underground as Tinka visited the children in the daycare center. Beaming with smiles, many of them petted and played with her. “Tinka’s presence is calming,” says Idit Leiba, her trainer and head of Rambam’s Canine Therapy Service. “But in truth, she was the one caring for them.”
Children at Rambam's fortified daycare center
enjoy a moment with Tinka and her trainer, Idit Leiber (far R).
Welcome Home
To date, 140 staff members have been called to emergency reserve duty, while others were stranded abroad. On Tuesday evening, some of the stranded returned home via a rescue mission from Cyprus, made possible by ZIM, one of Israel’s largest shipping companies.
“It was a very worrying and unsettling experience. We’re grateful to be back with our loved ones and to return to our vital work,” says Professor Yehuda Ullmann, Director of Rambam’s Surgical Division, who was among those rescued.
Professor Ullmann (R) with other hospital staff after disembarking at Haifa Port.
Three's Company
Even in these challenging times, the cycle of life continues, and miracles happen. Dozens of babies have been born in the underground maternity unit, both naturally and by Cesarean section. Earlier this week, in a heartwarming moment, triplet girls were delivered to proud parents Issa and Iyat Bashir from Jadeidi-Makr, a town north of Haifa.
Bashir was hospitalized at Rambam three weeks ago, in her 30th week of pregnancy, for close monitoring and preparation for a preterm delivery. Doctors chose to deliver the infants at 33 weeks to maximize the chances of a successful outcome.
“The surgery went smoothly without complications,” says Dr. Yaniv Tzipori, Head of Obstetrics B, who performed the surgery. “The infants were transferred to the NICU and are doing well. The mother is expected to be discharged tomorrow.”
Rambam is a beacon of hope for the communities of Northern Israel—protecting life, nurturing joy, and finding a way.
The parents visit their newborn triplets soon after their birth.
All Photography: Rambam HCC
