Professor Ofer Merin, Director General of Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center has arrived in Turkey’s earthquake affected disaster zone to serve as Director of the Israeli Defence Force’s Field Hospital. Prof. Merin is part of a group of key medical specialists from Shaare Zedek deployed to the zone for this critical mission.
Prof Merin led similar missions to disaster zones around the world in recent years and Shaare Zedek has a historic record of involvement with international relief efforts.
“Shaare Zedek staff members will serve on the front lines in representing the People and State of Israel in this critical mission,” Prof. Merin said. “While we know that the conditions that await us will be particularly challenging, we are equipped and trained for exactly these types of disasters and await the chance to do whatever possible to assist the relief efforts and provide medical aid to these victims.”
Alongside Prof. Merin will be Dr. Giora Wieser, Director of the Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Dr. Udi Lebel, Director of the Unit of Pediatric Orthopedics, Deganit Kobliner , Senior Emergency Medicine Nurse, Dr. Nechemia Blumberg, Deputy Medical Director of Shaare Zedek and Roi Gorodetzer, Intensive Care Nurse.
A hospital spokesperson said, “We know that their dedication, in what is likely to be a very challenging physical, medical, and emotional environment, is a reflection of the ideals of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, to provide advanced and compassionate care to whoever is in need, whenever required, whether in Israel or around the world.”
Dr Allan Garfield, Chairman of the Australian Friends of Shaare Zedek says, “As Jerusalem’s most central major hospital, Shaare Zedek has the expertise and commitment to respond to mass casualty events. We are proud to support the Hospital with a Heart and call on the Australian community to join us in this crucial mission.”
Photograph attached of the Shaare Zedek Delegation prior to their departure. From Left to Right: Dr. Sefi Mendelovich, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health and former Deputy Director General at Shaare Zedek, Dr. Udi Lebel, Director of the Pediatric Orthopedics Unit, Dr. Giora Weiser, Director of Pediatric Emergency Department, Roi Gorodetzer, Intensive Care Nurse, Prof. Ofer Merin, Shaare Zedek Director General, Dr. Nechemia (Chemi) Blumberg, Shaare Zedek Deputy Medical Director, Deganit Kobliner, Senior Emergency Medicine Nurse.
