Rambam Medical Staff Defend Care for Injured Soldier Amid Family Allegations

A medical staff member at Rambam Hospital responded to recent allegations of inadequate care for a wounded IDF soldier treated there after being injured in Lebanon. Speaking exclusively to N12 on August 11, the staffer rejected claims of neglect, stating the soldier received full and attentive treatment throughout his hospitalization. The staff member described a confrontation with the soldier’s family, which began when the soldier’s sister loudly questioned who was responsible for his care, claiming he was denied water. The medical worker explained that the soldier had been recently treated, fed, and hydrated, and after discussing with the soldier himself, the family’s concerns were calmed and an apology was issued by another relative.

The staff member emphasized that the medical team treats all patients equally, regardless of ethnicity or nationality, noting that many team members are Arab and communicate in Arabic among themselves about personal matters. He highlighted that one nurse on duty was himself a reservist IDF soldier. Due to sensitivities, staff were asked to avoid speaking Arabic near recovering soldiers to prevent distress. The staffer expressed feeling unsafe following the public controversy, which escalated into a political dispute questioning the loyalty and professionalism of Arab medical workers.

The incident began late Friday night and intensified Saturday morning, with family members alleging that during an Arabic-speaking shift, relatives were removed from the ward and doors locked, and that the soldier’s requests for water were ignored. Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered a swift military investigation into the claims. Rambam Hospital issued a statement affirming the quality and professionalism of care provided to all patients, including hundreds of wounded soldiers treated in recent months.

Dr. Nitzan Shmueli, a Rambam specialist, publicly praised the mixed Jewish-Arab medical team’s dedication and compassion in treating the soldiers. Meanwhile, the Hadash movement in Haifa announced a demonstration of support for Rambam’s medical staff, distributing flowers to hospital workers. The soldier’s brother maintained his accusations of improper treatment, alleging family members were barred from entering the ward overnight and that security personnel prevented their access. He also claimed the soldier was treated aggressively when requesting to change position.

This controversy has sparked significant tension within the hospital and broader public discourse, highlighting challenges faced by medical staff amid ongoing conflict and societal divisions.