Hundreds of guests from around the world joined leaders of the State of Israel and of the global Hadassah movement in Jerusalem October 27t to celebrate the inauguration of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus.
The region’s most advanced facility of its kind, the new center stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and renewal. Made possible by the visionary philanthropy of John, AC, and Pauline, AC, Gandel of Melbourne, Australia, and generously supported by Hadassah International’s (HI’s) far-flung network of friends, the project was envisioned as a place of holistic healing — combining cutting-edge technology with the human compassion that defines Hadassah.
The ceremony was attended by President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both of whom underscored Hadassah’s crucial role in Israel’s healthcare system. “What we have here is not just a building,” said Prime Minister Netanyahu. “It’s a foundation of hope, a foundation of resilience, of tomorrow.”
During the ceremony, Graham Goldsmith, Deputy Chair of the Gandel Foundation, shared heartfelt remarks:
“Pauline and John Gandel and the Gandel Foundation are in awe of the miracles that you achieve here every day, and we are thankful to have had the opportunity to support your efforts.”
Mr. Goldsmith accepted a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Gandel family and the Foundation, presented by Dalia Itzik, Chair of the Hadassah Medical Organization Board; Carol Ann Schwartz, National President of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America; Dr. Manno (Micky) Saks, President of Hadassah International; and Jorge Diener, Executive Director of Hadassah International. The certificate recognized the Gandels’ visionary leadership and their exceptional philanthropic partnership.
Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz told the guests that the movement’s members had “eagerly joined Israel’s national mission, determined to raise the funds needed to open the Gandel Rehabilitation Center ahead of time out of a sense of duty to care for the wounded.”
“We owe John, Pauline and the entire Gandel family for their leadership in ensuring this incredible facility was available just as Israel needed it most,” reflected Dr. Manno “Micky” Saks, President of Hadassah International. “They’ve helped hundreds recover from war-related physical and emotional wounds, and hundreds more to overcome illness, accident and injury.”
HMO’s Dalia Itzik recognized the global solidarity that made the GRC possible. “The investment in infrastructure and equipment, made possible only by the extraordinary generosity of many in Israel and worldwide, enabled us to build the most advanced rehabilitation system in the Middle East,” she said.
With only half the building completed, the Gandel Rehabilitation Center was rushed into operation in January 2024 — more than a year ahead of schedule — in response to the urgent rehabilitation needs following the tragic events of October 7, 2023. Once finished, it will offer 150 inpatient beds and the capacity to treat over 10,000 patients annually.
Spanning eight floors, the center is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies — including robotic systems, gait laboratories, hydrotherapy pools, and anti-gravity equipment. Since its opening, more than 2,000 patients, including soldiers and civilians, have regained mobility, independence, and hope. Many who once could not rise from their hospital beds now stand proudly on stage — dancing.
“This event saw the State of Israel and the global Hadassah movement come together in recognition of all that the Gandel Rehabilitation Center means for the country’s resilience and recovery,” said HI Executive Director, Jorge Diener. “It was a validation of hope and a celebration of healing.”
