We just finished celebrating eight days of Hanukkah.  Number eight in the Jewish mystical teachings of Kabbalah is a number that is above the realm of nature and provides infinite and eternal light.

 

On the first day of Hanukkah, my husband Yossi and I had the privilege of joining a private tour of Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem with our friends, Dr. Gidon and Nadine Frame. Gidon serves on the board of the newly established Western branch of the Canadian Shaare Zedek Hospital Foundation. We were warmly hosted by Ilan Pilo, the Foundation’s new Executive Director in Vancouver, along with Rozi and Sharon from Jerusalem. They shared fascinating insights into the remarkable work and unique legacy of this incredible institution. Ilan, who served as the Executive Director of the Jewish National Fund in Vancouver from 2013 to 2021, has now taken on this exciting new role, bringing his expertise and passion to further the mission of Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

 

On the tour we learned that in 1978 under the brilliant leadership of Dr. David Meir, the historic original building on Jaffa Road was moved to today’s state of the art Medical Center opposite Mount Herzl.

 

Dr. Meir had an architectural strategic vision that if Shaare Zedek Medical Center will border Mount Herzl it would fortify and protect the center from potential harm and assault. Over the course of the last four decades the Medical Center became a leading institution in Jerusalem, has 1,000 beds (larger than VGH). As the fastest-growing hospital in the region, Shaare Zedek serves over 1 million patients annually, providing compassionate and lifesaving care to people of all races, religions, and nationalities

 

On the tour we were shown the neo natal unit that serves to help the most vulnerable premature babies as young as 24 weeks. This unit has a triage built in team that can make critical life saving decisions and care for the premature babies born. It delivers 22,000 babies annually (as compared to BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s 7,000).

 

Below ground level under the Oncology unit exists a newly built 70-bed ICU department ready to perform and save lives if the region were to be under attack. This unit needs funding for critical pieces of equipment.

 

Since October 7th, 2023, we know too well that not being on the offence and not being proactive and united brought on a calamity of indescribable measure and devastation and not to mention the immense suffering and loss we are still experiencing.

 

Rebuilding what has been destroyed and creating new systems and initiatives has never been more paramount. The Jewish holiday of Hannukah commemorates the temple’s destruction and celebrates the victory of the Macabees.  The miracle of light within a small flask of oil found amongst the rubble. This limited amount of oil was enough to light the menorah for 8 days.

 

May the beginning of 2025 bring more goodness to fight evil forces.  

 

May we continue to believe in a miracle to bring home our stolen hostages who are still in darkness. Whether they are above ground or below they do not see the light.

 

May we be guided by the eternal light that since October 7th 2023 feels untouchable in the heavens and on earth.

May we choose to live with lightness, creativity and grace despite the looming, misleading and oppressive darkness.

May we remember the letters on the dreidel that we spun on Hanukkah representing – A Great Miracle Happened Here.

 

To make a donation to the ICU unit, please click here https://shaarezedek.crowdchange.co/41863