ZIV Medical Center, located in Safed just 11 kilometres from the Lebanese border, has long stood as a pillar of healthcare and hope for the diverse communities in northern Israel. As tensions rise with Hezbollah and missile attacks increase, ZIV's role has become even more critical. The Iran-backed terror group has escalated its assaults, forcing the region to brace for a potential full-scale war. Since October 7, Israel has endured a barrage of daily missile and drone attacks, with 397 lives lost and hundreds more wounded.
ZIV Medical Center designated a Level 1 Trauma Center in December 2023, is on the frontlines, readying for the worst. The hospital's multicultural staff of over 1,200 professionals—Jews, Druze, Muslims, Christians, and others—works together to save lives regardless of the political or religious backgrounds of their patients. This unity in diversity is a testament to the Israeli healthcare system's dedication to treating everyone equally.
Urgent Need for New Surgical Units
The hospital is now racing against time to build new facilities essential for treating trauma victims during conflict. Two surgical units are urgently needed:
The Neurosurgery Unit – Given the hospital's proximity to the frontlines, treating head injuries quickly can mean the difference between life and death. Currently, patients with severe cranial injuries must be transported to other hospitals further south, delaying critical care. The new Neurosurgery Unit will address this gap and serve local civilians needing specialized care.
The Thoracic Surgery Unit – Thoracic injuries, particularly those affecting the lungs and heart, are common during wartime. In peacetime, this unit will also treat lung cancer, the deadliest form of cancer among Israeli men, a service currently unavailable at ZIV.
"Unlike other parts of the country, our hospital is isolated, while being responsible for an area that stretches from Carmiel all the way to the border with Lebanon and Syria," Prof. Salman Zarka, director of the hospital, in an interview given to the ISRAEL21c website.
Missile Defense and Protection Upgrades
ZIV's proximity to Hezbollah's strongholds makes it vulnerable to rocket and missile attacks. To protect patients and staff, the hospital urgently needs to reinforce its infrastructure, including fortified operating rooms, missile-proof emergency entrances, and reinforced concrete hospital beds.
On July 27, a Hezbollah missile hit a soccer field in the village, tragically killing 12 children between the ages of 10 and 16 and injuring many more. One of the injured children later died at ZIV Medical Center. Prof. Salman Zarka, a 25-year veteran of the IDF Medical Corps and a member of the Druze community, made history in 2014 when he became the first Druze to lead an Israeli public hospital after being appointed director of ZIV Medical Center in Safed.
"It's terrible, and I wouldn't feel differently if the children were Jewish; this tragedy is much bigger than the identity of the victims," says Zarka.
A Commitment to Serve All in Times of War and Peace
ZIV's history of treating all in need, even during times of war, is inspiring. Whether it's Israeli soldiers, civilians, or even those considered enemies, ZIV's doors have always been open. This commitment was evident during the Second Lebanon War when the hospital treated more than 1,500 wounded individuals, and it continues today. On July 27, 2024, when a Hezbollah missile struck a soccer field in the Druze village of Majdal Shams, ZIV treated dozens of injured children, tragically losing one.
Preparing for a Future of Uncertainty
With war looming, ZIV is preparing not only for the present conflict but for future challenges. Prof. Salman Zarka, ZIV's director and a veteran of the IDF Medical Corps, emphasizes the need to secure supplies, increase fuel and water reserves, and ensure the hospital is ready for an extended period of isolation if access to the region is cut off.
The hospital's resilience is rooted in its people and the support it receives. Philanthropic partners, such as Partners of ZIV, have been instrumental in helping ZIV procure essential medical supplies and equipment. But more is needed to ensure that ZIV can continue to serve as a lifeline for northern Israel in the face of war.
Join Us in Supporting ZIV Medical Center
Now more than ever, ZIV Medical Center needs our support.
As the official partner of ZIV Medical Center in Canada, the Israel Magen Fund of Canada is dedicated to raising funds for the hospital's critical needs. By contributing to the construction of the new Neurosurgery and Thoracic Surgery Units and the hospital's missile defence upgrades, you are helping save lives and uphold Israel's values of compassion and resilience.
Join us in supporting ZIV Medical Center. Your contribution ensures that this vital institution can continue to serve as a lifeline for all those in need, both in times of war and peace.
Together, we can protect and heal.