Palestinian official gives back to Israeli hospital that treated him

Identified just as M., the official, in his 40s, was diagnosed several months ago with a cancerous tumor and was referred to Haifa's Rambam Medical Center for further investigation and treatment.

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Updated: JUNE 12, 2017 04:41
Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center (photo credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/RAMBAM MEDICAL CENTER)
Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center
(photo credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/RAMBAM MEDICAL CENTER)
A senior official in the Palestinian Authority who was successfully treated for cancer by Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center has donated tens of thousands of shekels for the building of a recovery room in its pediatric oncology department.
Identified just as M., the official, in his 40s, was diagnosed several months ago with a cancerous tumor and was referred to Rambam for further investigation and treatment.
Every year, some 1,200 Palestinian children and adults living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip receive medical care at Rambam.
During his stay in the ward, he often encountered Palestinian patients and began to show interest in the unique needs of hospitalized children. As his condition improved, he decided to give Rambam a financial contribution to improve the conditions of the treatment of all children undergoing radiation treatment there.
He recently returned to Rambam, where he met with patients and staff of the new Fishman Oncology Center. In a modest ceremony, M. handed over a donation of tens of thousands of shekels for the establishment of a dedicated recovery room for the center.
Its design will be adapted to the needs of the children undergoing radiation, providing a relaxing and supportive environment for them before and after treatment.
“When I came to Rambam, I saw a medical team caring for patients, but I also saw the suffering of the sick children,” M. recalled. “Palestinian, Israeli, Syrian and other children are treated there for serious illnesses and need all the help they can get. Both Israeli and Palestinian societies suffer from the damage of violence.
I want a world in which we can all contribute to peace and health, take care of children, save lives, share knowledge and even train Palestinian doctors at Rambam.
“I hope it will improve the state of health systems and treatment capacities in the Palestinian Authority and Gaza and encourage more Palestinians to contribute to the promotion of health and cooperation between the two peoples.
Medicine is a bridge between people, and I hope that thanks to this donation and those that will come, we will all merit a better tomorrow,” he said at the ceremony