American Friends of Herzog Hospital

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American Friends of Herzog Hospital

American Friends of Herzog Hospital raise awareness and funding to support Herzog Hospital, Israel's leading center for geriatric, respiratory and mental health care, treatment and research. We are build a NEW Medical Pavilion that will consist of 6 floors of clinical departments and 2 basement floors,including a sheltered underground emergency hospital. The new Pavilion will incorporate the latest in hospital design, and be a totally ‘green’ environmentally friendly facility. The Sheltered Underground Hospital will be built to withstand the impact of missiles and provide protection from chemical and biological attack. The Pavilion will house a number of departments, including:
- a Department of Psychogeriatrics (to treat those with dementias such as Alzheimer's Disease)
- a greatly expanded Children’s Chronic Respiratory Care Department
- significant additions to the Adult Respiratory Departments
- Internal Medicine
- Acute Geriatric Care
- Complex Nursing Care
- Dialysis

12/24/2025

Spotlight: One Grandfather’s Exceptional Love and Devotion at Herzog

Several times a week, 73-year-old Shimi Arma travels from Bat Yam to Jerusalem to sit beside the hospital bed of his ventilated grandson at Herzog Medical Center. He gently holds his hand, sings to him, reads stories, and shares updates from home—because, as Shimi says, “Being by his side, even when his response is limited, is how I show him love.”

Shimi’s devotion began from the moment his grandson was born. Using his technical skills, he transformed his home into a “mini hospital,” caring for him during his early years with tireless dedication. Today, alongside his ongoing volunteer work in the community- tutoring high school students and giving back wherever he can- Shimi spends hours each week at Herzog, offering his grandson constant presence, comfort, and hope.

What gives Shimi strength is knowing his grandson is in good hands. He speaks with deep gratitude about Herzog’s devoted staff and the holistic care provided in the Pediatric Chronic Respiratory Unit. “Here,” he says, “I know he is cared for- not just medically, but with genuine love.”

At Herzog, stories like Shimi’s remind us that healing is a shared journey- woven together by families, patients, and compassionate medical teams who walk alongside them every day.

12/14/2025

Today, we lit the first candle of Chanukah together with the children, families, and staff of our Pediatric Chronic Respiratory Unit.

We gathered in prayer, allowing the light of Chanukah to fill the ward. Families shared their gratitude and hope, reminding us of the strength found in choosing faith, compassion, and togetherness- even in the most challenging circumstances.

When we turn on the news, we are confronted with how much darkness surrounds us. Yet within the walls of Herzog, a different reality shines- an oasis of compassion and care, where children and families facing their hardest moments choose life and receive the support they need most. Here, we hold fast to the belief that no situation is ever hopeless, and that there is always a way forward.

We wish you a joyful Chanukah and extend our deepest blessings to the incredibly brave children, their devoted families, and the extraordinary medical teams who show up each day with skill, dedication, and heart.

May this holiday bring light into the darkness, healing and strength, and both small and great miracles to the people of Israel and to all of humanity. 🕯️✨

12/08/2025

Last week, we had the honor of welcoming Ezra Cohen, the Panamanian Ambassador, to Herzog Medical Center.
During his visit, we shared Herzog’s mission and explored potential avenues for collaboration with the Panamanian government in the field of healthcare and innovation.

We are grateful for the strong support of Panama’s Jewish community and all our American and international friends, whose ongoing partnership and commitment to Herzog’s work continue to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for your visit, your interest, and your support. We look forward to what lies ahead.

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12/01/2025

Celebrating Special Moments 💙

After a long and challenging journey on respiratory support, one of our patients reached a major milestone, successfully transitioning from our respiratory unit to rehabilitation here at Herzog. This achievement reflects both his own strength and perseverance, alongside the dedication of our remarkable medical team who never stopped believing in his recovery.

Herzog’s Adolescent Chronic Respiratory Unit is part of Israel’s largest children’s division and one of the leading centers worldwide. The unit cares for young people ages 14–25 with complex medical conditions, with a commitment to quality of life and family-centered care.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do: when medical excellence meets compassion, remarkable outcomes are possible.

With heartfelt thanks to our Adolescent Respiratory Unit for the care, kindness, and devotion you bring to children and youth every day and warm wishes to our patient as he continues his journey toward recovery. 💙
# SupportHospital

11/06/2025

Making Dreams Come True at the Western Wall
An Emotional Bar Mitzvah celebration we will never forget.

This week, we had the privilege of helping Yosef Yitzhak (Yoske) - a brave 13-year-old boy hospitalized in Herzog Medical Center’s Children’s Chronic Respiratory Unit - fulfill his dream of celebrating his Bar Mitzvah at the Western Wall.

With the extraordinary support of Magen David Adom’s Wish Ambulance team and the unwavering dedication of our pediatric staff, Yosef was transported safely from his hospital bed to Jerusalem’s most sacred site, where his family awaited him with tears, prayers, and open arms.

And then something beautiful happened:

Worshippers and passersby noticed the moment and gathered around, offering blessings, songs, and smiles. In those few sacred minutes, a boy who spends his days connected to life-support equipment was lifted by the embrace of an entire community.

Paramedic Batya Shushan shared:

“Seeing the joy in Yoske’s eyes and the love surrounding him was unforgettable.”

Herzog staff shared:
“This was a dream months in the making. For us, providing world-class medical care also means creating moments of joy, dignity, and connection to family and tradition.”

Mazal Tov, dear Yoske!
May you continue to bring light to everyone around you. You are loved.

📸 Photo credit: Magen David Adom

10/29/2025

The "Mental Health Tsunami" in Israel is real, and the response must be strategic.

The aftermath of the war and ongoing conflict has created an unprecedented demand for psychotrauma care in Israel.

Herzog Medical Center, one of Israel's leading facilities for trauma-related mental health, has scaled up its services to meet this national crisis.
Thanks to essential funding from our generous donors and Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and CJP, Herzog is able to:

Expand the Metiv Psychotrauma Center's vital services and trainings nationwide.

Reduce critical wait times for young adults at risk.

Successfully ready our state-of-the-art Sheltered Underground Emergency Hospital for patient protection when under threat.

Read the full story below on how this resilience partnership is securing Israel's future health infrastructure.

10/21/2025

Herzog Medical Center was honored to host the dedication ceremony for Magen David Adom’s new rescue helicopter yesterday at our hospital helipad.

We warmly congratulate מגן דוד אדום - Magen David Adom -MDA expanding its life-saving capabilities and thank them for the opportunity to take part in this meaningful milestone for Israel’s healthcare system.

At Herzog, we share the same mission - to protect and promote the quality of public health. This collaboration was a shining example of our shared commitment to saving lives.

10/16/2025

We are proud to share the grand completion of the brand new, beautiful reception area and entrance to the New Protected Medical Imaging Center at Herzog Medical Center in Jerusalem! Sparkling like a gem, the space feels cozy and modern, providing a world-class environment for life-saving care.
This is far more than a beautiful renovation; it is a vital shield for Israel’s health infrastructure.

A Facility Built for Resilience

Conceived as a central component of the National Strategic Medical Facility (NSMF), this center is located deep within Herzog’s Sheltered Underground Emergency Hospital. It provides protected, continuous diagnostic capacity—ensuring patients receive essential care, even under missile threat. The facility houses state-of-the-art MRI, CT, and ultrasound systems.

Since becoming fully operational in late 2024, the demand has been critical. The facility is already transforming regional healthcare, serving thousands of patients, from children and adults to the elderly from across Israel.

Impact in Numbers:
Lifesaving Scans (Jan–Oct 2025)
*CT Scans: 22,128 *MRI Scans 4,076

= Dramatic Reduction in Wait Times
Patients who previously waited months for an MRI under anesthesia are now receiving scans within weeks.

Thank you to the incredible generosity of Herzog’s donors who made this level of protected, world-class care possible.

09/30/2025

🌿 The Road to Resilience
A special virtual event with Dr. Yehezkel Caine, President of Herzog Medical Center, Jerusalem

As we mark the anniversary of the October 7th massacre, join us for an insightful conversation on trauma, resilience, and healing. All friends and supporters of Herzog Hospital worldwide are warmly invited to attend.
Dr. Caine will share a firsthand perspective on Israel’s journey through this challenging year, including:

Initial Response – How Herzog’s psychotrauma units mobilized immediately to treat survivors, families, veterans, and first responders.

Long-Term Impact – What clinicians are witnessing today in trauma and psychiatric wards: the ongoing effects of mass grief and PTSD.

The Power of Unity – Stories of resilience and solidarity across Israel’s diverse society.

Tangible Support – Practical ways communities worldwide can strengthen Israel’s trauma recovery efforts.

📌 Event Details
Speaker: Dr. Yehezkel Caine, President, Herzog Medical Center
Topic: October 7 Commemoration & Trauma Resilience
Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: 10:00 AM EDT (convert to your local timezone)
Format: Online (Virtual Event)
Hosted by: The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton
➡️ Register here: https://www.jfgb.org/

09/29/2025

We are proud to celebrate a truly special person at Herzog Hospital.

Our longtime Chairman of the Board, Shamai Keinan, has been awarded the Israel Presidential Award for Volunteerism – one of the country’s highest honors – in recognition of his 26 years of dedicated, fully voluntary service to Herzog Hospital and to the Israeli public healthcare system at large.

At a special ceremony held at the President’s Residence earlier this month, hosted by President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog, Shamai was honored for his longstanding leadership and significant contributions to public health in Israel. Under his guidance, Herzog Hospital has experienced remarkable growth and expansion, while continuing to serve as a center of excellence in geriatric, psychiatric, and respiratory care.

We are incredibly proud of Shamai for his commitment, vision, and leadership. But above all, we're grateful for his incredibly kind, warm and righteous heart.

Read more in the Jerusalem Post article about the 2024 Presidential Awards for Volunteerism. Scroll to the bottom under Individual Honorees to find Shamai’s mention:
🔗 Read more herehttps: //https://lnkd.in/dYJ_Xfkk

Mazal Tov Shamai – this is a well-deserved honor and a moment of great pride for us all.

09/21/2025

No One Left Behind: Herzog Opens New MRI & Imaging Center

A man with developmental disabilities needed an urgent MRI under anesthesia for a suspected spinal tumor. His referral was denied (“anesthesia is for children only”), appointments were delayed for months, and when a date was finally set, the staff wasn’t trained for his needs. By the time the scan was done, surgery was no longer possible. What could have been life-saving care became only palliative.

This is exactly the kind of tragedy Herzog Medical Center is working to end.

Early this month, we inaugurated Herzog’s new MRI & Imaging Center, designed to make advanced diagnostics accessible for everyone—especially people with disabilities and complex needs.

The center provides:
✅ Adapted anesthesia, including for adults
✅ Dedicated appointment blocks to cut wait times
✅ Specialized staff trained in dignity-centered care

As leaders from Israel’s Ministries of Health and Welfare emphasized at the opening, this center is more than technology, it’s a values statement: health care is a right for all.

Together with the MAR Institute and partners, Herzog is proud to advance a more compassionate, inclusive health system, one where no one is left behind.
🍎✨ From all of us at Herzog, Shana Tova U’Metuka- a sweet new year of health, dignity, and healing for all.

08/11/2025

"We are just so delighted to be a part of this in some small way. It may not appear to be a happy place. But for families in this situation — G-d forbid — this is their happy place, knowing their child is receiving the most wonderful care possible. We are so impressed and proud."

Last week, in Herzog’s Pediatric Chronic Respiratory Department, we dedicated two new plaques in a heartfelt ceremony.

The David and Miriam Hakimi Foundation generously dedicated the multi-purpose communal space in loving memory of David and Miriam Yousefzadeh Hakimi, and the terrace in loving memory of Abdolhamid and Zomorod Yousefzadeh Hakimi.

This thoughtfully designed space offers families dignity, comfort, and a warm ray of sunlight during challenging times.

Plaques were unveiled by trustees Malka Rahmanan and Yoel Rafinia, alongside Dr. Jacob Haviv, CEO of Herzog, and Steve Schwartz, International Director of Development.

"We are honored to carry this memory forward with gratitude".

Address

57 W 57th Street 4th Floor
New York, NY
10019

Telephone

+12126833702

Website

http://www.afherzoghospital.org/

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