A year after the Iranian missile hit: Bank Jerusalem will donate hundreds of thousands of shekels to Soroka
A year after the direct hit of an Iranian missile disabled large parts of the hospital, a partnership was signed that will double the rehabilitation response in the south and, for the first time, provide inpatient rehabilitation for children as well.
Following the direct hit of an Iranian missile at the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, which disabled the rehabilitation department, Bank Jerusalem announced on Tuesday a donation of hundreds of thousands of shekels to assist in the establishment of a new rehabilitation center at the hospital, including inpatient services for children.
The rehabilitation department operated in the surgical inpatient building, which was directly hit during the missile attack from Iran in June of last year. As a result, the building was taken out of service, along with wards, laboratories, and other medical services. Additionally, two adjacent buildings were evacuated due to the force of the blast, and some remain unfit for operation.
The hospital notes that the donation will accelerate the establishment of the new center, intended to restore and significantly expand rehabilitation services for residents of the south.
Bank Jerusalem CEO Yair Kaplan visited Soroka and met with the hospital director, Prof. Shlomi Codish, to review the restoration efforts. Yair Kaplan stated:
"The healthcare system in the Negev is a national asset, and today its importance is greater than ever. After the extent of the damage became clear, it was evident that we must join the effort. This donation is intended to help ensure the continued provision of care at the highest medical standard. We wish a speedy recovery to all the wounded and support the medical teams working with exceptional dedication."
Prof. Shlomi Codish added that the donation is expected to allow for a significant expansion of services:
"We thank Bank Jerusalem for this significant donation, which will help advance the opening of Soroka's new rehabilitation center. The new facility will double the volume of inpatient rehabilitation in the south and will include services for children—a significant development for the region. Partnerships with leading entities, especially during this challenging period, are an expression of mutual responsibility and a true commitment to strengthening the healthcare system in the south."
The establishment of the new center is part of the broad recovery efforts at Soroka following the missile attack, which was considered one of the most severe hits sustained by the Israeli healthcare system during the conflict with Iran. The medical center hopes the new facility will not only restore damaged services but also expand the response for residents of the south, who are currently in increasing need of care, especially following the October 7 terror event.
