Public

By Pesach Benson • December 11, 2025

Jerusalem, 11 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Starting in February, students in Israeli elementary schools will no longer be allowed to use cell phones on school grounds, Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced on Thursday.

“We are allowing children to return and truly meet each other, reduce external distractions, and expand the human and natural connection between students, without screens,” Kisch said. “Creating a school space that enables social and emotional growth for our children is our commitment and responsibility.”

Kisch emphasized that the decision is part of a broader systemic effort “to reduce distractions, strengthen social ties, and ensure optimal conditions for learning.”

Phones will only be permitted in designated classes where controlled use is approved for learning purposes. The ministry plans to support schools through educational programs in classrooms and dialogue with parents, aiming to foster balanced phone use, prevent social media misuse, and limit exposure to inappropriate content. The emphasis, Kisch said, is on cultivating social and emotional skills and encouraging face-to-face interaction among students.

“This is a huge and powerful step,” Kisch said. “Several months ago, the ministry held a broad staff meeting on the use of mobile phones among Israeli children. Excessive use of cell phones creates a feeling of loneliness and depression. Some schools are already doing it, by choice. The noise has returned to the schools, and everyone has stopped being on the screen. At the moment, the move will not be in middle schools and high schools.”

Ina Salzman, Senior Deputy Director and Director of the Ministry’s Pedagogical Administration, stressed the link between phone use and academic outcomes.

“The more cell phones are used by students, the lower the students’ achievements,” she said. “Our emphasis for administrators and education teams is to create social activities and social skills. We will also engage parents to reduce screen time at home. Sixty percent of teenagers are addicted to social networks, and the earlier they start, the harder it is to break the habit.” She noted that many children receive smartphones as early as first grade.

Unlike previous guidelines, which gave principals wide discretion, the new policy applies to all areas of the school, including breaks.

“Today it will be mandatory. There will be positive noise: there will be no use of smartphones in school,” Kisch said. “Parents understand the importance of the move. The policy is no use, but not a ban on bringing cell phones.”

According to ministry Director General Meir Shimoni, the ban’s delay until February is to give people an adjustment period. “We know that it will not happen all at once, it will be a process. But cell phones will be outside of schools,” he said.

By Pesach Benson • December 9, 2025

Jerusalem, 9 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel is bracing for Storm Byron, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding over the coming days. Some areas could see up to 200 millimeters of rain, particularly along the northern coast and in the lowlands, prompting authorities to issue flood warnings and prepare emergency services for a severe weather event.

The storm follows Byron’s destructive passage through Greece and Cyprus, where it caused property damage, school closures, and travel disruptions, though no casualties were reported.

Rainfall is expected to begin on Israel’s northern coast on Tuesday evening with heavier showers expected along the coastal plain later in the night. On Wednesday, thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast from the north down to the northern Negev, with flash floods possible in low-lying areas. By afternoon, precipitation will extend to the Negev and Dead Sea regions, increasing the risk of flash floods in desert streams.

The storm is expected to peak Wednesday night and Thursday, with particularly intense rainfall along the coast and in the lowlands, likely causing significant flooding. By late Thursday, flooding is expected to focus on the southern coastal plain, from Rishon Lezion to Ashkelon, while Dead Sea streams remain at high risk. Rain and flooding may continue into Friday, gradually tapering off during the day.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid traveling to flood-prone areas, especially in the Negev and Judean deserts, and to take precautions near rivers and streams. Swimming in the Mediterranean is strongly discouraged due to high waves and severe tidal changes. Emergency services are on high alert, with fire and rescue teams deployed to sensitive areas, observation posts established along waterways, and flood rescue equipment ready. Command and control centers are operating on a 24/7 footing in coordination with local authorities.

Authorities emphasized that main hazards include falling trees, poles, traffic signs, and flooded underground parking, citing past incidents that resulted in injuries or fatalities.

Municipalities are also taking precautions.

Kfar Saba has prepared retention reservoirs, improved water flow routes, and reinforced protective barriers in flood-prone zones. Ashdod canceled a planned market over concerns about underground parking flooding and advised residents to avoid low-lying areas until Friday evening. Tel Aviv-Yafo also canceled its farmers’ and flea markets and implemented emergency measures, including support systems for street dwellers. Officials warned that extreme rainfall could still overwhelm the city’s drainage systems.

Byron is the first named storm of the season for Israel, Greece, and Cyprus under a regional cooperation initiative launched in 2021.

By Pesach Benson • December 8, 2025

Jerusalem, 8 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel is facing an early and severe flu season, prompting the Ministry of Health to urge the entire population to get vaccinated and for those who are sick to stay home. Experts say the number of cases is rising sharply, with serious complications already reported among children and the elderly.

“Based on monitoring of global data, a season with serious infection is to be expected,” the Health Ministry said. “The rise in morbidity is steep, and serious complications in children have already been reported, including three deaths over the past two weeks.”

During a meeting of the Ministry’s Team of Experts for the Treatment of Epidemics (TCM) on Sunday night, which included representatives from hospitals, the community, and academia, officials presented the latest data on influenza trends in Israel and abroad. The discussion highlighted that the season began earlier than usual this year and is already affecting all age groups, particularly children.

The ministry reported that as of the last week of November, 1,165 people had been hospitalized with the flu, and 26 had died within 30 days of laboratory confirmation of infection. Most of the fatalities, 23 in total, were among people aged 65 and older, with 12 aged 85 and above. The recent deaths of two six-year-olds and a 10-year-old girl have drawn particular attention.

The family of Ariel Hakakian, one of the six-year-old children who died, donated his organs to four people in need. Despite being vaccinated, doctors at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center were unable to save him.

“This year, the flu came a few weeks early while the pace of vaccination has not changed, which means there are more unvaccinated people at a time when the spread of the disease has started to rise,” said Prof. Lital Keinan-Boker, director of the Israel Center for Disease Control. She added that although the increase in cases is significant, “it’s not something we haven’t seen in the past.”

The TCM emphasized that the flu vaccine, while not entirely preventing infection, is highly effective in reducing the severity of the illness and the risk of hospitalization and death. The Ministry of Health confirmed that the vaccine is safe, recommended for everyone aged six months and older, and is available free of charge through health insurance providers.

Doctors at the meeting urged anyone with symptoms to remain at home until fully recovered and stressed that children should not attend schools or daycare while ill to avoid spreading the virus. “It’s critical to protect others, especially the youngest and most vulnerable,” the ministry said.

In recent weeks, at least 30 children have been hospitalized in intensive care units due to complications from the flu, including two infants admitted in critical condition in Jerusalem and another in Haifa requiring advanced life support. Authorities warn that the peak of the season has not yet arrived, and they remain concerned about low vaccination rates, particularly among at-risk groups. Less than half of adults over 65 and fewer than 10 percent of children have been vaccinated so far.

The Ministry of Health said it will continue to explore ways to increase vaccination coverage and monitor the outbreak closely. “Vaccination remains the most effective protection for the public,” the ministry stated, urging all residents to receive the flu shot and take precautions to reduce transmission.

The Ministry of Health warns the public about social media posts falsely claiming that weight loss capsules were developed or approved by Prof. Itamar Raz.

These products are not registered or approved in Israel and may contain harmful substances. Prof. Raz has no connection to them.

The ministry also warns against dietary supplements—pills, powders, teas, ointments, or tonics—promoted as cures or disease preventatives. Such claims can give a false sense of treatment and may lead people to skip necessary medical care, putting their health at risk.

Purchases should be made only through pharmacies or reputable retail chains. Avoid buying medications or supplements from social media or unknown websites.

For safe weight loss or supplement use, consult a licensed nutritionist, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet. Only approved medical products can be relied on for treatment or prevention.

For more information, contact our hotline at *5400 or visit the Ministry of Health Committee for Public Deception Review.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection publishes a Memorandum for the Amendment of the Cleanliness Maintenance Law (Temporary Order, Hebrew) on the Governmental Legislation Website. The amendment is intended to authorize the Ministry to intervene in emergency cases in the waste economy and prevent sanitary and environmental crises. The Temporary Order was formulated following recurring events in recent years that endangered public health and due to concerns that they might reoccur. It is proposed to advance the memorandum as a Temporary Order for a period of one year, during which the Ministry will promote comprehensive legislation for the regulation of the waste economy in Israel.

Idit Silman, Minister of Environmental Protection: “We are continuing with Israel‘s Waste Revolution. The Temporary Order that the Ministry is promoting will grant the State of Israel the immediate tools required to protect public health and the environment in a reality where the waste economy relies on a limited number of private entities.

“Recent events have proven the necessity of a rapid intervention capability to prevent severe sanitary and environmental hazards. The Ministry’s teams are leading professional and thorough staff work for the short- and long-term regulation of the waste economy to ensure equal, fair, and continuous service to every authority and every citizen, and with the goal of ensuring the protection of public health and the environment.”

Today, 6 million tons of municipal waste are produced annually in the State of Israel , of which about 80% is transferred to landfilling. According to the Ministry’s policy and as is customary in developed countries for the waste treatment hierarchy, the focus must be on source reduction of waste generation, reuse, increased recycling, and energy recovery. The strategy promoted by the Ministry is expected to bring about a substantial reduction in landfilling to only about 20% landfilling within a decade.

In light of the fact that parts of the waste economy in Israel currently suffer from high concentration and a lack of regulatory tools, and due to concern for additional incidents that may endanger public health and the environment, additional tools and intervention authorities are required until the completion of permanent legislation. The proposed Temporary Order will provide the Ministry with tools that will ensure functional continuity by providing continuous service to residents.

Most treatment and landfilling facilities are operated by a small number of private entities , which often operate solely based on economic considerations , and sometimes in a manner that creates dependence and exposure of the local authorities to crisis situations. In this reality, any delay in waste reception, even for a few days, could lead to significant accumulation at transfer stations, harm to public health, and wide-scale environmental hazards. Furthermore, the need for regulation and efficient waste treatment is imperative due to the shrinking areas available for landfilling and the population density.

Main Points of the Temporary Order

1. To declare waste treatment services an essential service, enabling direct intervention in cases of disruption, cessation, or reduction in the scope of service
2. To mandate operating conditions and hours of activity when there is concern for harm to public health, the environment, or the continuity of service
3. To require the provision of fair and equal service to every authority, without discrimination in price or quantity, and to prevent situations of refusal to provide service

The Temporary Order is expected to strengthen the operational stability of the waste economy in a manner that will enable the implementation of advanced environmental policy advocating for a circular economy. The Ministry’s ability to handle crises by providing an immediate response to disruptions is a critical component in improving the entire waste system and ensuring the functional continuity of the waste collection, evacuation, and treatment chain. Concurrently, accelerated and in-depth staff work continues at the Ministry towards permanent legislation that will fully and stably regulate the waste economy, lead to a real improvement in service to residents, reduce waste landfilling, and assist in promoting an advanced circular economy.

The Cleanliness Maintenance Law (Ensuring Essential Services) (Temporary Order, Hebrew), 2025 Memorandum is open for public comments until Wednesday, December 10, 2025..

​In the meeting of the State Control committee on Wednesday, MK Alon Schuster (Blue and White—National Unity Party) was appointed to serve as committee chair, replacing MK Mickey Levy (Yesh Atid).

The outgoing committee chair, MK Levy, summed up his tenure in the post, stating that during the term the committee had held 285 meetings, each of which was of significance for the security, economy and resilience of the State of Israel and its citizens. “Before October 7, the committee discussed the readiness of the home front for emergency scenarios such as earthquakes—and these deliberations played an important role in preparing the emergency services for the critical day. After the outbreak of the war, we held many debates, toured the evacuation areas in northern and southern Israel, and made sure that the government agencies were doing their job in providing a response to the evacuees. The committee led the public conversation on establishing a state commission of inquiry on the events of October 7, and urged the State Comptroller’s Office to begin investigating the failures and the chain of events.

“During the war, the State Control Committee was the only parliamentary body that stood at the forefront of transparency and auditing of the Government’s actions. This role of the committee became all the more important during days of crisis, when the state was called upon to make tough decisions. The role of auditing [the Government’s actions] becomes much more difficult in this situation, but also more important than ever. We did not give up on the truth, and did not allow the [conclusions of] the debates to gather dust. We were critical but constructive. When State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman entered his post, the Public Corruption Division was abolished, and I will do everything in my power to make sure it is reopened, because without it there is no truly effective auditing,” said MK Levy.

The outgoing committee chair thanked the committee director and the committee staff for the professional cooperation, devotion and work around the clock. MK Levy concluded by wishing success to his replacement, MK Schuster.

The incoming committee chair, MK Schuster, said, “I thank my friend MK Mickey Levy for his intensive and professional work. I have learned a great deal from him about the spirit of responsibility and striving to the truth. I am prepared to delve into the work, and I am willing to bear the weight of the heavy public responsibility that rests upon the State Control Committee. As long as Israeli democracy grants us the tools—I will do my job seriously and resolutely, for the sake of the public’s confidence and proper governance.”
​

​On Tuesday, Speaker of the Knesset MK Amir Ohana (Likud) updated Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich that he had decided to make a third cutback in the Knesset’s budget since the start of his term. The cutback, in the amount of NIS 125 million, will be turned over to the state treasury.

This cutback of NIS 125 million from the Knesset budget for 2025 joins two previous cutbacks decided upon by the Speaker of the Knesset—one in the amount of NIS 80 million, which was made in November 2023, and another in the amount of NIS 121 million, which was made in January 2024 for the benefit of the war effort.

The total amount of cutbacks from the Knesset budget since the start of the Twenty-Fifth Knesset stands at NIS 326 million.

The issue will be turned over to the Joint committee for the Knesset Budget for approval and implementation. Knesset officials said that this cutback would not harm the Knesset’s vital ongoing activity, and stated that the principles with regard to the independence of the Knesset’s budget and the separation of powers would be maintained.

Speaker of the Knesset MK Ohana: “The Knesset is committed, not only as a legislature but also as an institution and an organization, to assist the state in its economic effort. My policy is to cut back on public funds as much as possible and to return them to the Ministry of Finance, so that [the funds] will return to the citizens and serve for rehabilitation of the localities harmed during the war.”
​

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar to a delegation of 250 US state legislators, the largest delegation of US legislators ever to visit Israel:  “Just yesterday, a Pro-Palestinian mob sabotaged the “Vuelta” bicycle race in Spain. They did so, with the support and encouragement of the Spanish Prime Minister. It is almost unbelievable. Mr. Sanchez and his Communist Ministers encourage violence. And praised those who did it also afterwards. It happened just days after he expressed regret at lacking an atomic bomb to ‘stop Israel!’ The normalization of political violence, and this a normalization by the Spanish Prine Minister and his Ministers, threatens all that we stand for. It must end now!”

A short while ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the opening event in Jerusalem for the largest delegation of American legislators to visit Israel. At the event, remarks were given by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar and two representatives of the delegation, Michelle Strinden, Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota (Republican).and Lori Berman, Minority Leader of Florida Senate.

This bipartisan delegation, which includes 250 state legislators from all 50 states, is the largest legislative delegation ever to Israel. During their visit, the legislators will hold diplomatic discussions, meetings and will tour Israel.

Full Remarks by Minister Sa’ar:

“Deputy FM Sharren Haskel,
Ambassador Leiter,
Distinguished Legislators from all 50 states,
Welcome ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to begin by thanking you all for coming on this special visit. As we saw, for many of you, this is your first time here.

Welcome to Israel. Welcome to Jerusalem, our eternal capital. Two hundred and fifty state legislators. From 50 states. Republicans and Democrats. This extraordinary delegation is a testament to the depth of the bond between our nations.

It’s a living expression of our grand alliance. This is probably the most significant delegation brought yet to Israel by the Foreign Ministry. It’s part of a larger ongoing public diplomacy campaign led by my Ministry. And it is part of our effort to strengthen the great Israeli-American alliance.

****

Israel has no greater friend than America. The U.S. is a global superpower. But it’s also – a moral superpower.

The Declaration of Independence that the Prime Minister just quoted promised “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. America has not only upheld those values. It is – and has been – a beacon of light, liberty and justice for the world.

Through its bold leadership, America makes the world a better place.

And America has no ally more effective than Israel. The alliance between our nations safeguards American national security interests.

Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Until now.

From day one – and for 77 years already – it has been, we have been battling, for its existence. We fought long and hard against the most radical and extremist enemies.

Enemies of the United States too. Enemies that threaten our shared values.

There is no better way for America to protect its values and interests in our region – than its close partnership with Israel.

This partnership was supremely demonstrated in our joint operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.

Together – we prevented the world’s most dangerous regime from obtaining the world’s most dangerous weapon.

The greatness of the operation – led by Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump – reflects the greatness of American leadership in the world.

****

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are witnessing a coordinated global effort against Israel today. The Prime Minister had described it.

It’s not an attempt to change our borders. It’s not an attempt to establish a Palestinian state. It’s an attempt to eliminate the State of Israel, the only Jewish state. This is what it is.

Since Israel’s birth, our enemies tried to eliminate us through different military means: Wars and terror. Terror of all kinds.

All of these efforts failed time and again: When they met the iron will of the Jewish people to defend ourselves. To ensure our own existence.

When military means failed, our enemies developed new tools.

Their goal remained the same: eliminating the Jewish state.

They turned to propaganda, political, legal and economic warfare.

Part of this well-oiled machine – is the effort to boycott Israel – through BDS and other means.

The best answer against BDS, until this day – has been anti-BDS legislation by your States. You did it. And thank you for that.

But now we are witnessing a new wave. A stronger wave. An increased use of this tool.

Israel can defend itself, by itself, on the battlefield. We demonstrated that time and again. But we need your assistance in the fierce battle of delegitimization.

The boycotters – must be boycotted.

Those who delegitimize – must themselves be delegitimized.

The tools may be new, but the name of this campaign is very ancient: It’s antisemitism.

And its new form is the delegitimization of the State of Israel, the only Jewish state.

Antisemitism was out of fashion after the Holocaust. But it has come back now stronger than ever. And this new antisemitism has unfortunately found its way also into the United States. Which is something we didn’t see in the past.

The new antisemites who think they can cleverly hunt Jews through economic means – must be deterred. There are still some States without BDS laws. We call on you: ensure your home states have laws to protect Israel and Jews against this modern antisemitism.

To those who already have anti-BDS laws, that’s majority – we thank you.

But each and every one of you have the ability to set a personal and powerful example: To fight BDS – by turning it on its head.

Instead of boycotting Israel – promote engagement with Israel.

Instead of divesting from Israel – promote investments in Israel.

And instead of sanctioning the only Jewish state – speak out clearly against those who use this age-old hatred in a modern way.

****

Distinguished legislators,

Criticism of Israel’s policies is legitimate.

But what are we witnessing today in the world goes far beyond that.

We are drowning in a sea of fake. Of lies.
A starvation campaign.
A genocide campaign. An apartheid campaign.

These are done through social media.

And so, your presence here is more important than ever. You are on the ground, seeing Israel and the truth with your own eyes.

Together, we must speak truth against lies. We must give voice to the facts over the fake propaganda being spread.

****

I want to pay my condolences for the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk.
He was a great friend of Israel. He helped us a lot.
He understood that our battles are linked.
That our fight for freedom, truth and our civilization – is basically one.

It must be clearly stated: Political violence has no place in our society. It threatens freedom.

Attempts to use violence and silencing to settle differences must be denounced.

This phenomenon uses harassment, threats and attempts to bully and scare political opponents into silence.

It is not only happening in America. It’s also happening around the world. It’s happening strongly in Europe. It’s happening against Israel. And against those standing for our values.

Just yesterday, a Pro-Palestinian mob sabotaged the “Vuelta” bicycle race in Spain. They did so, with the support and encouragement of the Spanish Prime Minister. It is almost unbelievable.

Mr. Sanchez and his Communist Ministers encourage violence. And praised those who did it also afterwards. It happened just days after he expressed regret at lacking an atomic bomb to “stop Israel”!

The normalization of political violence, and this a normalization by the Spanish Prine Minister and his Ministers, threatens all that we stand for. It must end now!

****

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your presence here together in Israel, represents America at its best.

I hope that your time here will be meaningful.

Our ministry worked hard to create an interesting and enriching experience.

I want to thank the dedicated workers in the Foreign Ministry – who made this special visit possible. I especially want to thank our North America division, headed by Lior Haiat. Thank you.

But most of all, I want to thank you, the legislators, our dear guests:
We are counting on your support.

We are counting on your friendship, partnership and leadership.

We look forward to taking our great alliance to new heights.

God Bless America.
God Bless Israel.

And as we approach the Jewish New Year – I wish you all a happy new year. Shana Tova.
May it be a year of strength, of truth, and, hopefully – of peace.

Thank you.”

Dr. Shai Reicher, Head of the Pest and Pest Control Division at the Ministry of environmental Protection: “During routine monitoring activities, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were detected in Ramla. Accordingly, the Ministry has instructed the local authority to increase prevention and pest control efforts. We call on the public to take protective measures, drain standing water sources, and cooperate with the authorities to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of bites”.

Dr. Oren Shattach Catabi, head of the Department of Zoonotic Diseases at the Ministry of Health: “West Nile fever is a disease transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. It is usually a mild disease with no symptoms. In rare cases, severe symptoms such as inflammation of the brain or meningitis may also appear. Since the beginning of the year, four cases of the disease have been confirmed”.

During the summer, due to standing water and hot, humid weather, the risk of developing mosquitoes that can transmit diseases increases. While local authorities are responsible for public areas, the public is required to help with these actions:Dry out and drain all sources of standing water (buckets, plant saucers, old tires, gutters, pools, barrels, etc.)

1. Dry out and drain all sources of standing water (buckets, plant saucers, old tires, gutters, pools, barrels, etc.)
2. Use mosquito repellent, install screens on windows and doors, wear light-colored long clothing
3. Use fans indoors and outdoors
4. Report any mosquito or standing water nuisances in public spaces to your local authority’s hotline *106

The Ministry of Environmental Protection recently launched a public awareness campaign encouraging the public to drain standing water in their homes and gardens to prevent bites and dangerous diseases. The campaign’s central message is: No standing water – no mosquitoes.

By Pesach Benson • September 11, 2025

Jerusalem, 11 September, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Construction has begun on ALEH Zahav, a 15-story, 420-bed rehabilitation center in Ramla that aims to address a mounting national crisis. The facility, led by Israel’s leading disability and rehabilitation network, will provide inpatient care, trauma therapy, hydrotherapy, adaptive sports, advanced imaging, and family support for soldiers and civilians wounded in the Gaza conflict.

“Every day brings dozens of new wounded soldiers — not only with broken bones, but with broken souls,” said ALEH CEO Yehuda Marmorstein. “Rehabilitation is not just about walking again. It is about living again.”

The $81 million project, still in its early excavation phase, has raised $14 million so far. The government is considering covering 40% of the cost, with additional support expected from the National Insurance Institute and international donors. Completion is expected in three to four years, a timeline many wounded soldiers fear may be too long. “The first months are crucial,” Marmorstein warned. “A lost year can mean permanent disability.”

Construction is expected to take around 2.5 years.

Until now, Aleh, a nonprofit, was known for providing specialized care for around 260 children and young adults with complex physical and cognitive disabilities. Many of the children at the Bnei Brak campus require ventilators and 24-hour medical support. The center, which opened in 2019, offered advanced therapies, education, and medical care tailored to their unique needs. However, the site was damaged by an Iranian missile in June. Aleh is repairing the building and expects to resume its activities there in two months.

Nearly two years after the Hamas assault of October 7, 2023 — the deadliest day in Israel’s history — the war shows no sign of ending. Thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians are struggling with a rehabilitation system stretched beyond its limits. According to the IDF, 903 soldiers have been killed and nearly 7,000 wounded since the start of the war. Seven remain hospitalized in light condition, 137 in moderate, and ten in severe.

For many, the injuries are life-altering. “I just want to walk to my parents’ kitchen without crutches,” said Noam, a 23-year-old reservist who lost his leg in Gaza. He has undergone six surgeries and is still waiting for a prosthetic fitting. Yael, a mother of two from Ashdod injured in a rocket attack, said quietly, “My kids need me back, but I need help first.”

Even before the war, Israel’s rehabilitation system lagged behind international standards. The OECD average for rehab beds is 0.5 per 1,000 people; Israel had only 0.3, leaving a shortfall of roughly 500 beds and 100 doctors. Families report patients being transferred between multiple hospitals in search of care. Mental health support is similarly inadequate. Tens of thousands of survivors are expected to suffer post-traumatic stress, yet Israel has one of the lowest ratios of child psychiatrists in the developed world.

“My son is alive, but he’s locked inside himself,” one mother said. “We can’t reach him, and there’s no one to help.”

When finished, ALEH Zahav will include long-term care units, residential facilities for families, protected spaces, a synagogue, and a research incubator. The center will stand next to Magen David Adom’s underground blood bank as part of a broader emergency response network.

Ramla Mayor Michael Vidal called the project “a national necessity.” “Rehabilitation will be one of Israel’s greatest challenges in the years ahead,” he said. “ALEH Zahav will play a vital role in healing our soldiers and civilians.”

For families of the wounded, the center is a symbol of hope.

“My son gave everything for this country,” one wounded soldier’s father said. “Rehabilitation is the least we can give back.”