Hadassah Medical Organization today opened Hadassah–Helmsley Netivot, a new, innovative medical center designed to provide residents of the southern Israeli town of Netivot and surrounding communities with advanced diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing medical care close to home.
According to the framework agreement, which was signed prior to the outbreak of the “Swords of Iron” war, Hadassah’s expert medical teams will travel south to the new center, making the world-class knowledge, expertise, and tools of an internationally renowned university hospital accessible to residents of the region.
“The establishment of a medical center in the city of Netivot is a defining national milestone and a recognition of the full right of southern residents to receive advanced, high-quality medical services,” said HMO Director General, Prof. Yoram Weiss.
The city’s mayor, Yehiel Zohar, warmly welcomed the event. “The establishment of ‘Hadassah-Helmsley Netivot’ is truly a transformative milestone for the city and for the entire Western Negev,” he said. “For years, we spoke about the need for real change for the residents of the south and today we are bringing it to life.
Photo credit: Avi Hayoun.
“The new medical center brings a message of equality, quality of life, and medical security for our families. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Hadassah leadership, Hadassah Women’s Organization, and the Helmsley Charitable Trust for their confidence in the city of Netivot and for the strong partnership that turned vision into reality.”
Hadassah–Helmsley Netivot was established by Hadassah Medical Organization—one of Israel’s leading university medical centers—together with Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, and in partnership with The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
The center will serve more than 150,000 residents of Netivot, the western Negev, and the Gaza envelope communities, providing high-quality medicine delivered by Hadassah’s expert physicians and supported by advanced and innovative technologies.
The project is a joint initiative of the Netivot Municipality and Mayor Mr. Yehiel Zohar, Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America (owners of Hadassah hospitals), the Helmsley Charitable Trust, and all Israeli health funds (HMOs).
The center will provide residents with access to top-tier specialists and advanced medical equipment, enabling care across a wide range of specialties, including:
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Women’s health
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Medical imaging
The new medical center, offers diagnostic, treatment, and ongoing care services at the highest professional level. It includes specialist outpatient clinics and an advanced imaging center.
“These are clinics with exceptionally high professional and service standards,” officials at Hadassah’s Jerusalem medical center emphasize. “Residents of the south will have access to MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and fluoroscopy services, alongside full availability of Hadassah’s medical specialists.”
The Helmsley Partnership
The name Hadassah–Helmsley Netivot highlights the contribution of the Helmsley Charitable Trust to the establishment of the medical center, including grants of more than $5.2 million for medical equipment and more than $950,000 to assist with recruitment of top medical talent.
Helmsley aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since 2010, Helmsley has committed more than $700 million in grants for Israel to expand the nation’s world-class healthcare services, strengthen contributions to scientific, technological, and medical research, and promote a global understanding of Israel and its people. Helmsley previously supported several other transformative healthcare projects at Hadassah.
Sandor Frankel, a Trustee of Helmsley Charitable Trust:
“Whether you live in the north or south of Israel should not limit your ability to access the same quality of healthcare as in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Helmsley is committed to improving healthcare for everyone in Israel, and we are pleased to play a role in supporting Hadassah-Helmsley Netivot, this vital extension of one of Israel’s premier hospitals, so that the people of Netivot and the surrounding areas will now have access to the medical innovation and care that they deserve.”
Leadership Voices
President of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Carol Ann Schwartz “The medical center launched in Netivot is a moment of renewal, hope, and a clear expression of the vision that has guided us—to develop and make accessible high-quality, advanced, and equitable healthcare for every citizen, everywhere in Israel. Since our founding more than 110 years ago, we have taken on a national responsibility for building healthcare infrastructure and laying the foundations of Israel’s healthcare system. Expanding healthcare services to the periphery is not a one-time initiative, but part of a deep commitment to Israeli society as a whole, to strengthening the south and reducing disparities. This initiative reflects our belief that health, resilience, and a better future begin with a strong, high-quality medical presence in the community.”
Chair of the Hadassah Board of Directors, Ms. Dalia Itzik:
“After years of dedicated effort, an advanced medical center has been established in southern Israel—one that enhances and elevates Israel’s healthcare system. This is a long-overdue historic correction. What is right and essential for residents of Jerusalem and central Israel must also exist for residents of the south, who have faced years of hardship and inequality, including in healthcare. Hadassah’s outstanding teams will travel south to deliver hospital-level care within the community. Our presence in the south, together with the creation of many new jobs, is, in my view, a true mission.”
Hadassah Director General, Prof. Yoram Weiss:
“Hadassah is leading a historic and foundational national project one whose importance goes far beyond making excellent medical care accessible to residents of the region.
The establishment of a medical center in the city of Netivot is a recognition of the full right of southern residents to receive advanced, high-quality medical services without long journeys to distant cities or prolonged waiting times for appointments and specialists.
I thank our partners on this journey who, together with us, turned a Zionist vision into reality: first and foremost the Helmsley Charitable Trust; the Netivot Municipality and its leadership, headed by Mayor Mr. Yehiel Zohar; the health funds that joined this mission on behalf of their members; and of course, Hadassah’s dedicated teams, who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.”