Haredi Community Rallies to Support National-Religious Rabbi Facing Dismissal at Assaf Harofeh Hospital

The management of Assaf Harofeh Medical Center (also known as Shamir Medical Center) is reportedly considering ending the employment of Rabbi Harel Fedida, a veteran and beloved rabbi at the hospital. Rabbi Fedida, a graduate of Yeshivat Mitzpe Ramon and a member of the national-religious community, has served for many years as the hospital's chief religious services coordinator, providing dedicated religious, halachic, and kashrut guidance to patients and their families.

This potential dismissal has sparked significant unrest within the hospital corridors and especially among the Haredi community. Unexpectedly, many Haredi patients, visitors, activists, and rabbis have expressed strong support and affection for Rabbi Fedida, pledging to work actively to reinstate him. They voiced deep concerns about the future of religious services and kashrut standards at the hospital, fearing that his removal would harm the institution's Jewish character and religious care.

Hospital management responded cautiously, stating their commitment to providing religious and kashrut services to all patients, families, and staff according to halacha and diverse needs, while refusing to comment on personnel matters due to confidentiality. This vague response failed to calm tensions and was perceived as evasive by senior Haredi figures, who demand clear explanations and warn of a harsh reaction if the dismissal proceeds.

A leading Haredi activist involved in the campaign emphasized Rabbi Fedida's devoted service and vowed that the community would not remain passive or accept any harm to the rabbi or religious services at the hospital. The entire religious public, across its spectrum, now stands united in support of Rabbi Fedida and is prepared to mobilize all available means to ensure his full reinstatement.