(Courtesy of Soroka Medical Center) Since the days of Israel’s forefathers, Beer Sheva has been an important site of progress and coexistence. Today, Soroka Medical Center is Israel’s leading healthcare institution and the sole major medical center for the region, caring for 1.2 million people residing in the Negev.
Soroka shines for the world as a beacon of peaceful coexistence, hope, healing and innovation. As the sole major medical center for the entire south of Israel, Soroka fulfills its humanitarian role in emergency response of all kinds. Soroka has been at the forefront of COVID-19 treatment and vaccination, while taking care of civilians and wounded IDF soldiers who serve in the nearby Gaza Strip.
Clinical Research
Soroka is a worldwide leader in research and innovation. Soroka’s new Center for Clinical Research will occupy an entire floor of the André Deloro Medical Research Institute. Situated at the intersection of science, medicine and biotechnology, research at the institute will be guided by the country’s leading medical professionals in collaboration with additional up-and-coming clinician-scientists. Physicians and researchers will be provided with state-of-the-art laboratories, a vast and invaluable trove of unrivaled medical data, and access to the Institute’s Biobank and resources.
With digital health, including big data and artificial intelligence, promising to unlock the most promising frontiers in medical advancement, Soroka is uniquely well situated. As Dr. Larry Norton remarked: “Soroka is a scientist’s dream. It has the human diversity, the stellar academic partnership and the access to the population for medical breakthroughs and the global impact.” Delivering tomorrow’s health today, Soroka’s research enriches the lives of the area’s residents, as well as entire related populations worldwide.
On October 18, American Friends of Soroka will hold their ninth annual gala. The event will benefit clinical research innovation at Soroka. To support our life-saving mission and nurture the stream of medical advancements that will emanate from Soroka in the future please read more at Soroka.org/Gala.
Soroka Medical Center’s stellar reputation and striking setting, coupled with unprecedented opportunities, is once again transforming the south of Israel. Soroka’s strong research orientation prevailed stronger than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was the first institution in Israel to open a much-needed COVID-19 Care Unit, responding quickly to the pandemic. The medical staff at Soroka has been working around the clock, treating, testing and vaccinating hundreds of thousands of individuals. Life and death situations relentlessly present themselves at Soroka and people rely on the hospital to rise to the occasion.
Healing Arts
This summer, Soroka welcomed “The History of the Star of David,” a monumental public art installation by artist Marc Bennett. The new artwork greets visitors with color and hope, while uplifting patients, families and medical staff. This project reflects American Friends of Soroka’s commitment to the healing arts.
The color palette depicts the enduring journey of the world’s most recognizable star. This permanent public art installation was produced on a stainless-steel material that shines as a symbol of resilience. Situated in the healing gardens of The Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and Dr. Larry Norton Institute, it invites anyone who walks through Soroka’s gates to reflect on the meaning of the Magen David throughout history.
“While I’m in chemo treatment, I can look out of my room and see these gorgeous colors and imagine that I’m as strong as those stars looking back at me,” remarked a patient at Soroka. The emotional power of the artwork empowers patients to endure any adversity through resilience and faith. This artwork also helps us achieve our philanthropic missions. Ten percent of worldwide art and art-related merchandise sales will go directly to Soroka. To learn more please visit www.Soroka.org/SoDA.
IDF soldiers and civilians from all walks of life rely on Soroka, which is just 20 miles away from Gaza. Soroka is ever-ready to provide emergency care and excellent service with cutting-edge medical technology to anyone in need, regardless of their ethnic background, religion or gender.
In honor of Rosh Hashanah’s message of renewal, creation and rejuvenation, Soroka needs your support for our humanitarian mission, enabling us to serve the medical needs of the Negev in challenging times. As we welcome a new year, your generosity ensures the continuity of the Negev’s critical lifeline. It is through the support of people like you that Soroka can continue to face any challenge. Please contact Pazit Levitan, director of development of American Friends of Soroka for more information at [email protected].
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at www.Soroka.org/Donate. Checks can be mailed to American Friends of Soroka Medical Center, P.O. Box 184-H, Scarsdale, NY 10583. Thank you for your kindness and for giving hope to the people of the Negev during these difficult times. To stay in touch, please follow us on social media at SorokaFriends.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of American Friends of Soroka Medical Center, we extend our warm and sincere wishes for Shana Tova with the blessings of good health and joy. May you be inscribed in the book of life.
