Jerusalem’s leading rehabilitation hospital has inaugurated a new wellness centre, marking a significant expansion in support services for families affected by recent conflict. The state-of-the-art facility, situated within the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Medical Organization’s Mount Scopus campus, aims to provide comprehensive care that extends beyond physical healing to encompass emotional and psychological well-being.
The opening ceremony drew senior government officials, medical professionals, and community leaders, all underscoring the urgent need for such services in the wake of ongoing regional tensions. Israel’s President and Prime Minister attended the event, highlighting the national importance of advancing rehabilitation and holistic care for those impacted by war.
The wellness centre, designed as an integral part of the hospital’s broader rehabilitation mission, offers a suite of therapies tailored to the unique needs of families recovering from trauma. These include psychological counselling, art and music therapy, mindfulness workshops, and group support sessions. The centre also features dedicated spaces for children, recognising the profound effects that conflict can have on younger family members.
Dr Yoram Weiss, director-general of Hadassah Medical Organization, described the initiative as a vital response to the escalating demand for rehabilitation services. “Ensuring the readiness of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center is not just a priority, it is a responsibility to meet the escalating needs for rehabilitation,” he stated during the ceremony. He emphasised that the wellness centre’s holistic approach is essential for fostering resilience and long-term recovery among patients and their families.
The Gandel Rehabilitation Center itself represents a major leap forward in Israel’s healthcare infrastructure. Opened ahead of schedule to address the surge in injuries following the events of October 7, the facility now offers 140 inpatient beds—more than triple its previous capacity. Its advanced amenities include hydrotherapy pools, walking laboratories, and neurological testing systems, positioning it as one of the most sophisticated rehabilitation centres in the region.
Within the new wellness centre, families find a sanctuary designed to promote healing on multiple levels. Licensed therapists and counsellors work alongside medical staff to deliver integrated care plans. For many families, the centre provides a rare opportunity to process trauma together, supported by a team attuned to the complexities of war-related stress.
The centre’s design reflects a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Multilingual staff cater to Jerusalem’s diverse population, ensuring that both Jewish and Arab families feel welcome. On any given day, the waiting rooms and therapy spaces are filled with individuals from different backgrounds, united by a shared journey toward recovery.
In addition to its therapeutic offerings, the wellness centre hosts educational seminars on coping strategies, nutrition, and stress management. These sessions are open to patients, their relatives, and members of the wider community, reinforcing the hospital’s role as a hub for public health education.
The need for such comprehensive support has grown markedly in recent months. Since the outbreak of renewed hostilities, hundreds of wounded soldiers and civilians have sought care at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center. Many arrive with complex injuries—both visible and invisible—that require long-term, multidisciplinary intervention. The wellness centre’s holistic model is designed to address these challenges, recognising that recovery is as much about mental and emotional health as it is about physical rehabilitation.
The Hadassah Medical Organization, which operates both the Mount Scopus and Ein Kerem campuses, has a long history of adapting to the evolving needs of Israeli society. Founded in the early twentieth century, the organisation has played a pivotal role in advancing medical care and research in the region. Its commitment to innovation is evident in the new wellness centre, which integrates evidence-based therapies with community-driven support.
Philanthropic contributions have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. The Gandel family, prominent Australian benefactors, provided significant funding for the rehabilitation centre, while additional support for the wellness centre has come from local and international donors. Their generosity reflects a growing recognition of the importance of holistic care in times of crisis.
As Jerusalem continues to grapple with the aftermath of conflict, the opening of the wellness centre offers a measure of hope. For families navigating the long road to recovery, it represents not only a place of healing but also a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the city’s diverse communities.
Medical staff at the centre remain committed to refining and expanding services in response to emerging needs. Plans are already underway to introduce additional therapies, including animal-assisted interventions and expanded peer support networks. The hospital’s leadership views the wellness centre as a model for future initiatives, both within Israel and beyond, as societies worldwide confront the complex legacy of conflict and trauma.
In the words of one senior clinician, “Healing is not only about treating wounds, but about restoring lives.” The new wellness centre at Jerusalem’s largest rehabilitation hospital stands as a powerful embodiment of that philosophy, offering a lifeline to those most deeply affected by war.
Image Credit: Photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash
