Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem, 12 Shmuel Bait Street, Jerusalem (2026)

24/06/2026

This week, Shaare Zedek Medical Center marked the opening of the newly upgraded and renovated Stefan Adelipour Pediatric Shock, Trauma and Burn Treatment Center in the Glaubach Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine .

The Center’s upgrade was motivated by Shaare Zedek’s ongoing commitment to enhance our care for children requiring urgent care and in particular in the wake of traumatic accidents and incidents. The upgraded Center has introduced new equipment that relies on advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, alongside our historic commitment to individualized and compassionate care for children and families in particularly challenging sittuations. The Center is designed and equipped to allow for quick, accurate and advanced care in those cases where every second matters.

The upgrade project was overseen by the Department’s Deputy Head Nurse Talya Charnosvitov who was responsible for managing all aspects of the development process and ensuring it upheld the highest medical, design and patient-care standards.

Shaare Zedek’s Pediatric Emergency service is a leading center of urgent care in the Jerusalem region treating over 40,000 children annually - the most active in the city and the third largest in all of Israel.

Shaare Zedek Medical Center Director General Prof. Ofer Merin said, “The Pediatric Emergency Department at Shaare Zedek is a symbol of medical excellence defined by professionalism and the highest levels of pediatric care. Since opening the Glaubach Department nearly two decades ago, we have transformed into a regional and national leader in large part due to the remakable dedication of our staff. This project will further establish this reputation and position our pediatric trauma service to respond to every type of relevant need. We express our deep thanks to the staff of the Department and our logistical and development departments that spearheaded this critical effort.”

Dr. Giora Weiss, Director of the Glaubach Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine added, “The Trauma Center is the beating heart of our Department and this project will enable us to provide advanced care in better conditions that are specifically geared to the unique emotional needs of children and families in extremely challenging times in their lives.”

Dr. Gal Pachis, Director of the Emergency Medicine Service at Shaare Zedek said, “We are always working to enhance our commitment to the best clinical quality and patient-care experiences. This project is a welcome example of our investment in upgraded infrastructure and technical capabilities all designed to ensure our pediatric patients are receiving the comprehensive care they need.”

Efrat Even, Head Nurse in Division of Pediatrics said, “The opening of this new trauma center is an important development for our patients and families and is a further reflection of our commitment to excellence, innovation and professionalism combined with speed and compassion in those most difficult moments. On behalf of all who will benefit from this project, I express our deep thanks to everyone who made this possible and we take deep pride in our staff who work tirelessly every day and night on behalf of the children and people of Jerusalem and the region.”

18/06/2026

Following the quick and professional intervention of medical teams at Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek Medical Center, the life of a one-year-old child, who had not received the recommended course of infant vaccinations, was saved after arriving in the hospital in a life-threatening condition.

The case began when the infant was brought by ambulance to the Glaubach Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Shaare Zedek in serious condition. While first responders initially suspected the boy had attempted to swallow a foreign object which had become lodged in his throat, initial clinical examinations by the emergency room physicians determined that not to be the case.

Upon discussion with the boy’s father, the hospital teams understood the baby was unvaccinated which led them to surmise he has been infected with the infection, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) which had caused the tightening of his throat. Further clinical and lab testing confirmed that initial diagnosis.

With the patient exhibiting extreme breathing complications, the pediatric anesthesiology team at Shaare Zedek, led by Dr. Mordechai Sherki and Dr. Shmuel Basmut, with the assistance of nurses Naava Vanda and Benny Greenwald, immediately began a complex intubation procedure to stabalize the patient.

Dr. Efrat Blankenstein, a resident physician in the Department of Pediatric explained, “This child was literally minutes away from dying. This is a rare case that we haven’t seen at Shaare Zedek in several decades based on our review with senior physicians and until now had been the type of theoretical case that we only train for. If the baby had undergone the proper round of vaccinations, this could have been completely avoided. And if our trauma teams weren’t prepared with the proper equipment and staffing support, there is no doubt this story could have had a completely different ending.”

“Incidence of these types of cases where infections constrict the throat have gone down considerably due to a common vaccine used to address Hib,” explained Dr. Shani Messner-Fieiereisen, a resident in the Pediatric Department. “This condition can lead to an infection around the cartilage tissue that is designed to prevent food from entering into the treacha and when inflamed it can block the respiratory tract. Symptoms can appear suddenly and intensify very quickly.”

Dr. Moria Paizer-Rosenberg from the ENT Department at Shaare Zedek added, “The initial report came that the baby was chocking as a result of something he had eaten. But we quickly determined that it was something else altogether based on the fiber-optic imaging scan we performed to view the child’s upper respiratory tract and to see if there was indeed a blockage. We are all deeply grateful that we were able to save the child’s life due to the close cooperation between all our teams that enabled us to provide the immediate life-saving intervention he needed at that time.”

PICTURED: Dr. Dr. Moria Paizer-Rosenberg, and Dr. Shani Messner-Fieiereisen (left) and Dr. Efrat Blankenstein (right)

10/06/2026

Talk about coincidences…

With over 20,000 babies born annually, the maternity department at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center has plenty of incredible stories to tell.

But this one truly boggles the imagination.

Two brothers, identical twins, Moshe and Yosef Mizrachi were blessed to both see the birth of baby daughters on the very same day in 2024.

Flash forward two years and the incredible repeated itself when the two twins returned with their wives to Shaare Zedek to give birth once again on the very same day…

The only difference this time, both babies were boys!

Moshe and Yosef said, "Thanks so much to the amazing teams of the delivery rooms and the Maternity Ward C for their professionalism and dedication in sharing our most special moments."

Shaare Zedek wishes the families a huge Mazel Tov, health, happiness and many moments of togetherness and joy and we look forward to seeing you again soon...

08/06/2026

Shaare Zedek Medical Center

In accordance with the directives of the IDF Homefront Command, Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center has begun the gradual transfer of patients to the sheltered spaces in the underground hospital.

At this time, the maternity facilities, delivery rooms and nurseries will continue to operate normally in the above ground areas all within or in close proximity to protected spaces.

The Emergency Departments are fully operational in protected areas, and the public should continue to come to the hospital for all relevant urgent needs.

All outpatient and medical activities throughout the hospital are operating in accordance with the relevant Homefront Command guidelines with immediate access available to protected spaces.

The hospital has opened a childcare program in cooperation with the Jerusalem Municipality for the benefit of hospital staff members.

Shaare Zedek is in constant contact with the relevant authorities and will continue to provide updates as they become available.

05/06/2026

A Heartwarming Brit Milah Hosted at Shaare Zedek Offers Tribute to a Modern Israeli Hero

Last week U*i and Amala Mashasha gave birth to their son at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center where the hospital also hosted a truly special brit milah honoring a modern Israeli hero.

“We named our son Aner in memory of a true Israeli hero, Aner Shapira z”l, son of Shira who was my counselor years back. When we found out we were expecting a boy I knew right away we would name him for Aner, who bravely fought and saved many people on October 7th,” recalls U*i, the proud new father.

“When I was studying in Mechina (pre-military academy) in Kfar Chasidim in the 1990’s Shira was my counselor and we have always stayed in touch. When I heard that her son Aner had been killed I knew right away that was what I would name my son.”

U*i says the baby was named Manor Aner. “Manor means life-cycle in Amharic and Aner is for this hero whose life and heroic actions can serve as an inspiration for all. I was so moved by what Shira and her family have experienced and I am so proud to have this incredible opportunity to memorialize Aner and his heroism in a way that I know will be remembered for generations to come. We feel so blessed to be able to raise our dear son in a way that brings honor to Aner's memory.”

Shira Shapira was among the honored guests even though she came not knowing that the new baby would carry her son’s name. Upon hearing the name she said, “I was so deeply moved by U*i and Amala’s decision to name their first son for our son Aner. I have had a deep caring and love for U*i for more than thirty years since we first met, and there is no more moving gesture than this. I wish sweet little Manor Aner a life of happiness, health, meaning and creativity together with his incredible parents. I am sure that our Aner is looking down proudly from above and shares in our blessings.”

Aner Elyakim Shapira z”l served in the Sayeret Nachal Brigade. On the morning of October 7th he sacrificed his life to save countless others. Facing off with dozens of terrorists, with his bare hands he continuously caught and tossed back gr***des that were being thrown by terrorists into the shelter where he and dozens of other people had fled from the Nova Festival. The last gr***de exploded in his hands killing him. Aner’s actions and bravery are well-known and recorded as among the most extraordinary from that horrific day.

The brit milah ceremony and celebration was arranged with the assistance of Shaare Zedek’s Religious Services Department and its coordinator Rabbi Avraham Goldshmidt.

14/05/2026

On the occasion of Yom Yeushalayim (Jerusalem Day), here at Shaare Zedek we’re dressing the city’s newest residents with onesies proudly reading “Jerusalemite from birth”.

As Israeli’s most active maternity hospital with over 20,000 births annually, today and every day, we take great pride in the central role we have in helping develop our city and nation’s future!

Yom Yerusahalayim Sameach!!

11/05/2026

The Shaare Zedek community wishes a huge mazal tov to a modern day hero who welcomed his sixth son into the world in the Wilf Mother and Infant Center here at the hospital.

Rabbi Liraz Zeira, is an IDF rabbinical chaplain and combat reservist who was seriously injured in battle in October 2025 from a gr***de attack which resulted in the amputation of both of his legs.

Despite the severity of his injuries and ongoing rehabilitation, his spirit and resolve have become a well-known source of inspiration and resilience.

Yesterday, Rabbi Zeira’s story took on another dimension of hope and celebration with the birth of a 3.6 kilo baby boy, the fifth of his children he has and his wife chose to deliver at Shaare Zedek.

Rabbi Zeira said, “The birthing experience was very good and we are deeply thankful to Hakadosh Baruch Hu on this sweet and healthy new baby. Thanks also to the midwife Etana and all the incredible staff here at Shaare Zedek that accompanied us with dedication and shared joy.”

We wish the Zeira family continued good health and happiness and only joy from their children.

Am Yisrael Chai!

08/05/2026

Shaare Zedek Medical Center Announces Transformative $200 Million Donation from The Koum Family Foundation, Marking the Largest Donation in Israeli Hospital History

This landmark gift will fund the construction of a cutting-edge medical tower and marks the beginning of a new era for the hospital, which will be renamed Koum Shaare Zedek Medical Center

(JERUSALEM-May 8, 2026) Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center announced that the hospital has been the recipient of the largest single gift to an Israeli hospital with a donation of $200 million from The Koum Family Foundation.

The historic gift will allow for the development of a new medical tower and ensure the continued growth and sustainability of Jerusalem’s most active major hospital.

With this gift the hospital will be officially renamed as Koum Shaare Zedek Medical Center המרכז הרפואי קום שערי צדק

Shaare Zedek, a leading center of medicine and research that treats over one million patients annually, has built a strong relationship with The Koum Family Foundation in recent years. This landmark agreement is the culmination of months of strategic visioning and collaborative dialogue between Shaare Zedek’s leadership and the Foundation. The partnership was spearheaded by Prof. Halevy, President, Prof. Ofer Merin, Director General, and Mr. Akiva Holzer, Director of Special Projects, working in close concert with Ms. Yana Kalika, President of The Koum Family Foundation.

The Koum Family Foundation was established by Jan Koum, co-founder of WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging platform. As one of the world’s prominent Jewish philanthropists, Mr. Koum has built a remarkable legacy of support for Jewish communities globally. Mr. Koum’s philanthropy is deeply committed to strengthening the State of Israel by supporting its leading medical and academic institutions alongside a variety of impactful cultural and educational initiatives.

Jan Koum welcomed the agreement with Shaare Zedek saying: “We are proud to partner with Shaare Zedek Medical Center, an institution that defines medical excellence in Jerusalem and beyond. This gift reflects our confidence in a future of medical innovation and research that will benefit patients in Israel and around the world.”

Shaare Zedek President Prof. Jonathan Halevy said, “This is truly a special moment in Shaare Zedek Medical Center’s 124-year-old history. This record donation by The Koum Family Foundation reflects remarkable confidence in our hospital, our staff, the city of Jerusalem, the nation of Israel, and a heartfelt embrace of Zionism. We feel incredibly grateful that one of the Jewish world’s great philanthropic visionaries has chosen to link his name with Shaare Zedek’s unique brand of medical excellence. I am sure that this investment in Israeli healthcare will continue to positively impact the Israeli and Jewish people for generations to come.״

Shaare Zedek Director General Prof. Ofer Merin said, “Mr. Koum’s historic gift to Shaare Zedek is a mark of honor for every employee of our hospital. This partnership will allow us to forge ahead with the construction of our new medical tower which will set a new standard for Israeli healthcare and further establish our hospital’s position as a national and global leader of advanced and compassionate medicine. On behalf of the Shaare Zedek staff, patients and families, and indeed of all the people of Jerusalem, I express my deep gratitude to Mr. Koum and the Foundation.”

A New Medical Tower for Medical Excellence in Jerusalem

Shaare Zedek Medical Center is Jerusalem’s most active major hospital and one of the seven largest medical centers in Israel. In response to dramatic demographic regional growth over the past decade, the hospital has nearly doubled its patient-care capacity to more than 1,000 inpatient beds; that number is expected to soar in the coming years. This rapid and sustained growth has necessitated the development of an all-new medical tower that will further the hospital’s commitment to excellence in caring for patients from all across the region.

Upon completion, the tower will be the largest and most advanced facility of its type anywhere in Israel. The tower will total 24 stories and encompass over 1.5 million square feet including all-new and expanded surgical and emergency care facilities. In response to developing regional threats, it will be designed to the highest standards of structural protection, including significant underground spaces and a helipad positioned on the building’s roof to enable direct helicopter access. The new tower is in the advanced stages of planning. The project is being designed and planned by Mochly-Eldar Architects, with Margolin Bros. Engineering and Consulting as the Project Manager.

The project has been approved by the Government of Israel and the Municipality of Jerusalem.

07/05/2026

Embracing Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center’s historic legacy of working to advance medical response cooperation within the IDF, the hospital recently held a trauma medicine training session together with combat soldiers from the elite Sayeret Nachal batallion.

The session was the initiative of Dr. Giora Weiser, Director of the Glaubach Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and was designed to enhance medical response in the event of a range of potential traumatic incidents requiring field-based medical care.

Representatives from the brigade who participated in the sessions were invited into the hospital’s operating rooms where they engaged in simulations treating complex injuries under the guidance of senior anesthesiologists and surgeons, led by Dr. David Ben Ari and Dr. Mordechai Sherki.

Over the course of the day, the combat soldiers heard lectures from senior Pediatric Surgeon, Dr. Anar Keinan and Dr. Irai Zamora, Deputy Director of the Department of Emergency Medicine. The session also included a course led by Dr. Tom Kobry together with teams from the Emergency Department using advanced dolls to simulate specific injuries and symptoms.

The elite soldiers who participated in the sessions only recently completed an intense round of service in southern Lebanon, which included facing large-scale attacks where they were forced to treat and evacuate seriously wounded patients while under enemy fire.

The participants in the Shaare Zedek session expressed their gratitude to Shaare Zedek for exposing them to highly-professional training exercises which they say will significantly enhance their response capabilities in future life-saving missions in the field.

Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem

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