Over the past two years, Shaare Zedek staff members have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the people of Israel, serving more than 47,000 days in miluim (IDF reserve duty) since 7 October 2023.
This week, the hospital held a special tribute ceremony honouring their service and sacrifice. The event was attended by senior administration and many of the reservists who have been called to serve repeatedly throughout this challenging period.
More than 250 Shaare Zedek employees have been mobilised, including over 50 who have served more than 200 days, 30 who have served over 300 days, and 15 whose reserve service has exceeded 400 days. The ceremony also recognised the spouses and families of these reservists, who have shouldered immense responsibility at home and at work.
Shaare Zedek Director General, Prof. Ofer Merin, addressed the gathering, saying:
“I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you for making personal sacrifices on behalf of the greater good. From the outset, we made a clear and unwavering decision that every staff member called to serve would receive our full support. Thanks to the dedication of the entire Shaare Zedek team, we continued to provide the highest quality care within the hospital, even as the demands on our reservists increased. Today we also remember the 18 Shaare Zedek staff members who have lost close relatives in battle, and we pledge to stand with them always.”
Danny Strauch, Deputy Director General for Human Resources, also spoke, sharing his experience as a senior officer in the IDF unit that supports families of the hostages.
“There is indescribable pride in knowing how many of our staff stepped forward when the country needed them,” he said. “Throughout the war, I had the honour of accompanying the family of Noa Martziano z”l during her return to Israel. This has been an intensely turbulent time for all of us, and it was important that we dedicate this day to salute those who served when our nation needed them most.”
Shaare Zedek remains deeply proud of its reservists — colleagues, caregivers, and heroes — who embody courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment both inside the hospital and far beyond its walls.