Southern Israel's Soroka Hospital Begins Major Reconstruction Nearly a Year After Iranian Missile Strike

Nearly a year after an Iranian missile struck Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel during Operation "With the Lion," extensive reconstruction work has finally commenced. The hospital, which sustained direct damage in April, is undergoing a significant upgrade that will double its built-up area and include new, fortified buildings. Soroka's director, Professor Shlomi Kodesh, described plans for a new "Resilience Building" featuring 500 protected beds, operating rooms, and catheterization labs.

The missile hit severely damaged the hospital's historic original building from 1959, a site of personal significance to staff members like Kodesh and outpatient clinics director Gila Levi, who both recalled their long tenures at Soroka. Since October 7, the hospital has been operating at full capacity, treating numerous casualties from the Gaza conflict and recent confrontations with Iran. Despite losing entire inpatient departments and facing a shortage of 400 beds and unprotected areas, the staff has maintained high morale and dedication under challenging conditions.

Philanthropist Sylvan Adams, an Israeli-American billionaire, visited Soroka and has contributed over a third of the funding for the hospital's rehabilitation. Adams emphasized resilience, stating, "We will rebuild bigger, better, and stronger," and predicted Soroka will become the best hospital in Israel and possibly the Middle East. Professor Kodesh noted the heavy reliance on philanthropy in Israel's healthcare system, highlighting that many hospital buildings bear donors' names.

After delays caused by bureaucracy and unfulfilled promises, the Southern District Planning and Building Committee recently approved a historic development plan. This includes an 11-story innovative, fortified inpatient tower, three additional towers, hotel rooms, medical institutes, and new research, rehabilitation, and protected maternity buildings. The upgrades aim to provide Negev residents with the quality medical care they deserve, closing a long-standing gap in regional healthcare infrastructure.

Reflecting on the ongoing reconstruction amid the ruins, Professor Kodesh expressed cautious optimism: "We are beginning to renew, which is very important. The Negev's residents will emerge stronger, but it is impossible not to shed a tear."