Beit Shemesh, Israel’s fastest-growing city located just 33 kilometers from Jerusalem, has achieved a significant milestone in its healthcare services. On June 14, a new Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) facility opened its doors, providing the city’s 152,000 residents with convenient access to state-of-the-art medical services.

For Mayor Aliza Bloch, the opening of the facility fulfilled a long-awaited dream. When Hadassah proposed the idea, she initially couldn’t believe it. However, the spacious and modern facility became a reality, officially inaugurated by Hadassah National President Rhoda Smolow, Minister of Health Moshe Arbel, Chair of the HMO Board Dalia Itzik, HMO Director General Yoram Weiss, and Mayor Aliza Bloch.

During the opening ceremony, Prof. Yoram Weiss emphasized the public nature of Hadassah’s outreach efforts, ensuring that the entire community benefits. “We’re working together with the sick funds that cover medical costs for Israelis,” stated Weiss. “The creation of Hadassah Beit Shemesh is part of our vision to provide professional and high-quality medical services where people live. We want to enable residents of Beit Shemesh and the surrounding area to easily benefit from Hadassah’s diagnosis and treatment.”

Situated in a popular and easily accessible mall, the campus features a contemporary-designed reception area, doctor’s examination, and consulting rooms, a day hospital, and nursing facilities. With the opening of the facility, Beit Shemesh residents now have the opportunity to undergo treatment in their hometown, including oncology outpatient care. Additionally, construction is underway for surgery suites, which will be opened in stages.

Initially, the facility will offer clinics specializing in cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecological surgery, pediatric hematology, and pain management. In the near future, a wide range of medical needs will be addressed, such as children’s psychiatry, respiratory issues, ophthalmology, and nephrology. The campus will house two operating theaters and will be led by Dr. Boris Varshitsky, a renowned Hadassah cardiologist and family doctor.

Weiss commended the dedication of the doctors who, despite their busy schedules, are willing to travel to Beit Shemesh to provide care closer to patients’ homes. Minister of Health Arbel praised Hadassah for actively working towards narrowing the gap in healthcare services between the country’s center and periphery.

Mayor Bloch expressed her initial disbelief when Hadassah proposed the idea, considering it a dream come true for her city. She also pledged to educate and inspire young people to become future doctors and nurses, ensuring the staffing of Hadassah Beit Shemesh.

The opening ceremony, captured in a photo, featured prominent individuals including Chairperson of the HMO Board Dalia Itzik, National President of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America (HWZOA) Rhoda Smolow, Mayor of Beit Shemesh Aliza Bloch, Chairperson of the Knesset Health Committee Uriel Busso, and Director General of Hadassah Medical Organization Professor Yoram Weiss.

The establishment of Hadassah Beit Shemesh signifies a significant milestone in bringing advanced medical services to the growing community, highlighting Hadassah’s commitment to providing quality healthcare where people live.

Main photo caption: Director General of Hadassah Medical Organization Professor Yoram Weiss and Mayor of Beit Shemesh Aliza Bloch