"Standing against the racist attack": MK Kariv backs Rambam Hospital
Against the backdrop of complaints from families of the wounded regarding department staff, the Knesset member from the Democrats visited Rambam Hospital to see hospitalized IDF soldiers. He stated: "The healthcare system is a model of coexistence. We will not allow small-time politicians to poison Israeli life with ugly racism."
MK Gilad Kariv (The Democrats) said on Thursday at Rambam Hospital in Haifa that he stands "against the racist attack on the hospital." During a tour to visit wounded IDF soldiers hospitalized in the department, Kariv addressed the serious claims raised this week by families regarding the treatment provided by medical staff.
"The healthcare system is a model and example of coexistence and professional ethics. We will not allow small-time politicians to poison Israeli life with ugly racism. In the next government, we will strengthen the public healthcare system and invest in it as an arena of professional excellence and moral example," Kariv added.
Earlier this week, a family member of a wounded soldier claimed that during a shift change, only medical staff from the Arab sector remained in the department. According to him, families were asked to leave and doors were locked while four seriously wounded soldiers were inside. The family member claimed they only wanted to ensure the soldiers' condition was stable but were denied entry. He further alleged that one of the soldier's brothers broke down the door out of fear for his condition. According to him, the soldier reported that a staff member "picked him up like a sardine," causing his head to hit the bed, and that his requests for water went unanswered for some time.
At the beginning of the week, Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to urgently and thoroughly investigate these claims in cooperation with all relevant parties.
Following the accusations, Dr. Nitzan Shmueli, a physician at Rambam Hospital, published a post defending the medical staff:
"The gap between the lies on the web and the reality that occurred is unbearable, insulting, and disturbing. The night was difficult, and the soldiers needed intensive work by the nursing staff — Arabs and Jews — who saved their lives minute by minute. I saw and see how with compassion, sensitivity, and professionalism, the nursing staff from all sectors treats patients. This does not give legitimacy to racism and incitement."
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated regarding the matter:
"Immediately upon receiving the complaint, representatives of RAM-2 worked with the hospital to clarify and handle the matter. The IDF attaches supreme importance to providing support to wounded IDF soldiers and their families. Medical responsibility for the treatment of wounded soldiers lies with the hospital, and the IDF works in cooperation with all relevant hospitals to ensure an optimal response for all service members."
