![Elisha Meidan wounded soldier with staff as he leaves SZMC[2]](https://api.thejc.atexcloud.io/image-service/view/acePublic/alias/contentid/1guzmkftbonq1amflww/0/elisha-meidan-wounded-soldier-with-staff-as-he-leaves-szmc-2.webp?f=16%3A9&w=3840&q=0.6)
By, Shaare Zedek
2 min read
ByA Charity Spokesperson, Shaare Zedek
When you walk through the doors of Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem, you can feel it instantly – the pulse of compassion, dedication and a profound love for humanity. Since October 7, 2023, this atmosphere has only deepened. In the hospital’s foyer, a table adorned with Israeli flags and memorial candles serves as a poignant reminder that members of the staff have been personally impacted by the ongoing war.
Despite their own hardships, they remain unwaveringly committed to their patients and their work. Among them is Talya Slotki, nursing co-ordinator in the pain clinic, whose story exemplifies this extraordinary balance of personal and professional commitment. In 2024, Talya was awarded an Honourable Distinction for Bravery and Heroism by the President of Israel, a recognition of her unwavering dedication in the face of unimaginable personal tragedy.
On October 7, Talya’s sons, Noam and Yishai, left home to defend besieged communities near the southern border. Both fought valiantly before falling in battle. For a harrowing week, Talya and her family did not know their fate, until the devastating confirmation came that both sons had been killed. Despite her profound grief, Talya returned to Shaare Zedek, determined to continue her work. “Every time I walk through these doors, I remind myself why I’m here,” she said. “My sons gave everything, and I honour them by helping others.” Her courage inspires colleagues and patients alike.
This steadfast dedication of Talya and countless other members of staff, reinforces Shaare Zedek’s identity as more than just a medical facility. Known as “Jerusalem’s hospital with a heart”, it stands as a symbol of hope, healing and the enduring power of human connection.
Shaare Zedek’s commitment to excellence in care, combined with its emphasis on treating every patient with dignity and kindness, leaves a lasting impression on those who walk its halls. Whether it’s a mother giving birth in the maternity unit, a child receiving life-saving treatment, or an elderly patient finding comfort in palliative care, the love and dedication of the staff shine through in every interaction.
Elisha Meidan was critically injured in an explosion in Gaza in January 2024, an attack that tragically claimed the lives of four soldiers. Rushed to Shaare Zedek by an IDF medevac team, he arrived in critical condition and ultimately had to undergo the amputation of both legs.
Over the next 53 days, the hospital’s dedicated staff worked tirelessly to save his life and support his recovery.
When Elisha was discharged from Shaare Zedek, he shared this important message: “There is no way I would be this healthy, joyful and optimistic if not for all of you. This type of medical team is the dream of any critically injured patient. “From the cleaners to the paramedical staff, the nurses, doctors and hospital management. You are all an incredible team. Thank you for saving my life.”
A legacy of love
Shaare Zedek Medical Centre is much more than a hospital. It is a community, a family, and a testament to the extraordinary things that can be achieved when love is at the heart of every endeavour. From its compassionate staff to its devoted donors and grateful patients, every thread of its tapestry is woven with care, hope and an unshakeable commitment to healing.
Martin Brownstein experienced this commitment first-hand. During a family holiday to Jerusalem in 2016, he was struck down with a rare and aggressive case of necrotising fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease. Immediate life-saving surgery stopped the infection’s devastating spread, but Martin’s recovery required weeks of intensive care and later reconstructive plastic surgery with skin grafts. Over the five weeks he spent at Shaare Zedek, Martin witnessed not only the skill of the hospital’s medical staff but also the heart of its community.
In a world that often feels divided, Shaare Zedek stands as a powerful reminder that love is the greatest force for good. Whether through a life saved, a life changed, or a life created, the hospital continues to inspire all who encounter it. And in doing so, it ensures that love remains the most powerful medicine of all.
info@shaarezedek.org.uk
020 8201 8933
shaarezedek.org.uk
Registered charity 1143272