Health Ministry Honors Volunteers for Contributions During Wartime

The Israeli Ministry of Health held a ceremony to present the "Minister of Health's Shield for Volunteering" for 2025. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, a medical institution, and pre-military academies for their exceptional volunteer work in medical centers, particularly during Operation "Iron Swords" and other recent national emergencies.

The public committee, chaired by recipient of the Israel Prize, Miriam Peretz, selected the honorees from dozens of nominations. The ceremony, held at the Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, was attended by senior health officials, including Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov and Senior Deputy Director General Shani Sharvit, as well as representatives from other ministries and local authorities.

This year, special emphasis was placed on volunteers active during Operation "Iron Swords" and the health system's response to national emergencies. A special commendation was given to Dr. Rafael (Rafi) Boehm, a family doctor who provided aid to survivors of Kibbutz Nir Oz following the October 7th attacks, even under fire, and continues to support the evacuated community.

For the first time, the shield was also awarded to pre-military academies. Adaret Academy had branches volunteering at Sheba Medical Center, Ichilov, and Marhavim, while Kerem El Academy, which integrates Jewish and Druze students, had trainees volunteering at Rambam Healthcare Campus in Haifa. These academies were connected through a Ministry of Health volunteer hub that collaborates with the Ministries of Defense and Settlement.

Numerous individuals were recognized for their dedication, including Ilan Margalit, who provides wigs for cancer patients; Esther Malul, a medical pedicurist who treated patients during military operations; Hadas Drori, who leads a young cancer patient community; 91-year-old lawyer Adv. Haim Meizel, who volunteers at a clinic; Hanal Jarfi, an MDA paramedic who returned to volunteering after being severely injured on October 7th; and Oz Hay Ocampo, an MDA volunteer who resumed shifts after a life-threatening injury in Gaza.

Among the recognized organizations were "Gdolim MeHachaim," which supports children with cancer; "Hagal Sheli," using surfing for therapy; "Drachei Miriam," which provides daily transport for cancer patients and support for war wounded; a hospice volunteer group at Hadassah Ein Kerem; the Public Health Association's outreach program; and the Beer Sheva Mental Health Center, which has 200 active volunteers.

Minister of Health Haim Katz praised the volunteers for their dedication, emphasizing their role in providing strength and hope, and highlighting how their efforts make Israeli society stronger. Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov thanked the volunteers for their trust in the health system and for providing critical feedback, also commending Miriam Peretz as an inspiration and a symbol of resilience.