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As part of a strategic effort to combat rising antisemitism in healthcare and strengthen global understanding of Israel’s groundbreaking contributions in healthcare, the Israeli Embassy convened a delegation of medical leaders from the US for an immersive tour of Israel’s premier medical facilities. The tour kicked off with a visit to the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), a testament to Hadassah’s role as innovative and compassionate global leaders in medical care, treatments and research for all, regardless of religion, race or nationality.
During the group’s visit to Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, the delegation toured state-of-the-art underground operating rooms designed to ensure uninterrupted patient care during times of conflict. HMO Director General Prof. Yoram Weiss greeted the delegation. Hadassah’s head of nursing, Rely Alon, spoke about how frontline staff offer high-quality care under extraordinary circumstances. Dr. Shiri Ben David, HMO’s head psychologist, spoke about the hospital’s extensive efforts to address the emotional trauma of the war among both soldiers and civilians.The visit also included an in-depth presentation by Dr. Myriam Grunewald, head of Hadassah’s organoids laboratory, where researchers study and experiment with cutting-edge lab-grown organ technology, showcasing Hadassah’s scientific advancements in personalized medicine. Hadassah Government Relations Director Elizabeth Cullen participated in the delegation and reflected on the importance of seeing Hadassah’s work up close.
“Hadassah’s advocates and health professional councils have been very concerned about an alarming rise of antisemitism in healthcare this year. Hadassah and its health professional councils are working together to counter antisemitic statements and resolutions from multiple health professional associations and healthcare systems,” said Cullen. “This was an eye-opening and lifechanging experience for everyone participating. It was extraordinary to take part in this mission to show health leaders directly how HMO, as a healthcare leader in Israel, embraces diversity in its employees and patients across ethnicity, religion and more. We made a powerful impression that countered some of the misinformation American health leaders see. We also had the chance to showcase some of the innovative advances happening at the Hadassah Medical Organization and across Israel.”
Another stop on the tour was Israel’s underground Marcus National Blood Services Center, an extraordinary feat of engineering and innovation that incorporates emergency preparedness while advancing blood storage and delivery systems. The group also visited other hospitals and institutions throughout Israel and heard from newly launched biomedical startups.
The delegation also took part in a medical-focused tour of Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, drawing a powerful connection between history and the moral imperative to protect life and truth, especially as antisemitism threatens institutions, professionals and communities in healthcare and around the world.
The experience reinforced HMO’s importance as a model of inclusive care and as a powerful counter to the growing rise of antisemitism in US healthcare institutions, where both Israeli and Jewish health professionals are being targeted.
By bringing a diverse group of healthcare leaders to Israel and highlighting HMO as a cornerstone of Israeli medical excellence, the Israeli Embassy and Hadassah helped demonstrate how medicine serves as a bridge for understanding, innovation and peace.
What You Can Do:
- Check out our Facebook post highlighting the event.
- Read more about how Hadassah leaders are speaking out against antisemitism in healthcare.
- Read more about how HMO nurses and health professionals are leveraging diversity to build resilience.
- Learn more about the Hadassah Medical Organization's Hospitals.
