President Isaac Herzog Visits Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva Amid Ongoing War
- Caroline Haïat
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
On the occasion of the holiday of Purim, the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and First Lady Michal Herzog paid an official visit to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva, against the backdrop of a particularly tense security situation.
The visit took place as fighting continues with military operation conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran. The presidential couple was briefed on the hospital’s activities since the outbreak of the war on Saturday, including its full transition to emergency mode, the activation of protected infrastructure, and the implementation of reinforced clinical and logistical operations.
Hospital leadership presented a detailed overview of the treatment provided to the many wounded individuals evacuated to the facility since the beginning of the hostilities. Officials also addressed the ongoing challenges faced by medical teams, several months after the Iranian missile strike that severely damaged the hospital in June 2025.
The hospital’s director emphasized the considerable efforts undertaken to ensure operational continuity while delivering life-saving care to the wounded and maintaining essential medical services for residents of the Negev region. Despite sustained pressure, the institution remains a central healthcare pillar for southern Israel.
During their visit, the President and First Lady toured the protected wards, met with patients, and spoke with medical staff about the professional and personal challenges of operating under prolonged emergency conditions.
They also visited childcare facilities established for employees’ children in protected areas at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. There, the presidential couple held an open discussion with the children and educational staff, commending their resilience and boosting the morale of families serving on the civilian front.
“Professor Shlomi Kodesh, the hospital’s Director-General, Professor Barsky, Dr. Rubio, and the entire staff are managing this institution with extraordinary excellence,” President Herzog stated. “I say this often, and today is no exception — Be’er Sheva is home to one of the finest hospitals in the world, with a first-rate medical team that excels both in routine times and in emergencies. We were here on October 8, and we are here again today. Thank you for your life-saving mission, carried out with uncompromising professionalism, sensitivity, and a deep commitment to humanity.”
For his part, Professor Shlomi Kodesh thanked the President and the First Lady for their visit and their steadfast support of the hospital teams, particularly during extreme emergency situations. He expressed immense pride in the staff’s professionalism, dedication, and resilience, emphasizing that Soroka continues to fulfill its emergency responsibilities in full while constantly adapting to the evolving security situation.
During the war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, Soroka Hospital was severely struck by an Iranian missile attack.
In a climate marked by uncertainty and persistent threats, the visit conveyed a strong message of recognition and solidarity with the Negev’s healthcare workers, who remain on the front lines of the medical response.
Caroline Haïat
Comments