Update No. 2 on the Situation in Israel
FROM: Prof. Zeev Rotstein, Director, Sheba Medical Center
TO: Sheba Friends around the world
Update No. 2 on the Situation in Israel
Dear Friends:
We've been through a grueling weekend, as more than 800 rockets and missiles were fired into Israel by the Hamas and its Islamic terrorist offshoots in Gaza. Three of the rockets were fired at Tel Aviv and one at Jerusalem. Fortunately, Israel's unique "Iron Dome" anti-missile defense system intercepted close to 250 of the missiles.
Nevertheless, 254 Israelis have been wounded by the missile fire, including six victims in moderate to serious condition, and as you know, three Israelis were killed in Kiryat Malachi. Seventeen Israelis are still hospitalized.
The Israeli cabinet has authorized the call-up and drafting of 75,000 Israeli citizens for reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces, something which puts the entire economy on a war footing, and which readies the IDF for an armored push into Gaza.
Ten Sheba doctors have drafted into their reserve military units, as well, and I expect more to follow. To compensate for this, the IDF Medical Corps is stationing more than 50 of its para-medical personnel at Sheba as of this (Sunday) morning.
I have to tell you that this is a unique experience for us. As the incoming rocket warning sirens went off at Tel Hashomer on Friday and Saturday, we had both to continue treating patients while helping them quickly out of bed and into safe rooms. All within 90 seconds! It was a delicate and difficult task.
In the meantime, patients from hospitals in Israel's south - such as premature newborns and the elderly - are being moved north to Sheba and other Tel Aviv hospitals.
It is clear to all of us that difficult days are ahead. We know that an Israeli military operation "on the ground" in Gaza will inevitably bring in more casualties. We also know that Gaza is not the only threat on the horizon. It is also clear that we will have to move some of our operations into protected facilities underground - and we are working around the clock to stock and prepare these special facilities.
The Israel Center for Medical Simulation (MSR) at Sheba has played a critical role in training emergency room teams around the country in trauma treatment. Both at the main MSR facility on our campus, and through "MSR on Wheels" - a unique mobile facility which takes simulation equipment to peripheral hospitals in the south and north of Israel for on-site training of local medical teams - we are ensuring that Israel's trauma and post-trauma teams are performing at an international standard.
There is a great deal of uncertainty about the days ahead. In this uncertain environment, our job is to give Israel "hosen" - a Hebrew word that means strength, sturdiness and invulnerability. Our job is give the country the backup needed to face all eventualities. The citizens and soldiers of Israel can rest assured that, if needed, we will be there to save lives and nurse them to health.
I know that you stand by Israel, and I am sure that you will stand with the Sheba Medical Center in these times too.
My colleagues at Sheba know that you are behind us, in spirit and deed.
Sincerely,
