Sheba's state-of-the-art Olga and Lev Leviev Heart Treatment and Research Center has opened. Housed in an ultra-modern, striking architectural gem sheathed in glass, the three-building Leviev Heart Center integrates all Sheba's diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive cardiovascular units. These include units for intensive and intermediate cardiac care, catheterization, heart failure, electrophysiology and cardiac pacing, noninvasive cardiology, nuclear cardiology, cardiac imaging, cardiothoracic surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation; along with outpatient clinics, conference facilities, and the Neufeld and Taman cardiac research institutes.

Directed by Prof. Michael Eldar, it is the first comprehensive heart facility of its type in the Middle East. Prof. Eldar's 300-person staff conduct a range of state-of-the-art procedures, including primary balloon treatment for heart attacks, transcutaneous aortic valve implantation and closure of intracardiac abnormal communications, radiofrequency ablation and implantation of sophisticated devices for rhythm disorders, , as well as complicated open heart surgeries – including reconstructive valve surgery and aortic repair. The Center treats over 35,000 patients a year.

In February, an inaugural dinner and concert was held to launch a new "Friends Association" for heart center. Real estate developer (and Sheba donor) David Azrieli hosted the event at the 49th floor event space in Tel Aviv's swank Azrieli Center. The event was led by Friends Association founding chairman Adv. Eli Zohar and Heart Center director Prof. Michael Eldar.  The event featured a full-length benefit performance by legendary Israeli folk artist (and Israel Prize laureate) Yehoram Gaon, who donated his time. The event also launched a two-week-long publicity campaign for the Heart Center that was run in the Azrieli shopping mall.

At the inaugural event of the Heart Center Friends Association: Prof. Zeev Rotstein, David Azrieli, Adv. Eli Zohar and heart surgeon Prof. Ehud Raanani (l. to r.)