KKL-JNF is determined to close the gaps between the Galilee and central Israel as part of its Israel 2040 project, KKL-JNF World Chairman Daniel Atar said at the cornerstone laying ceremony of the new entranceway of the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya on January 7.
"For years, no one stopped the process of widening gaps between the Center and the Galilee. Until we at KKL-JNF came up with our “Israel 2040” vision, whose goal is to reverse the trend and close the gaps between the Center and the Galilee. KKL-JNF has transferred a budget of NIS 400 million to the government for projects to strengthen the Galilee, including NIS 20 million for the establishment of reinforced operating rooms in the Galilee Hospital. We want the Galilee to retain the young people who grew up here, so they don’t have to move to the Center for better salaries. KKL-JNF has taken on this challenge and I hope we meet it”, said KKL-JNF World Chairman Daniel Atar at the ceremony.
KKL-JNF World Chairman Daniel Atar helps cover the foundation scroll.
Photo: KKL-JNF
The new entranceway project is being jointly funded by JNF-KKL Germany and the estate of the late Nahariya resident Gracia Toledano, who was treated many times at the Galilee Medical Center.
The GMC is a pioneering medical center and the largest hospital in the Galilee, and the fifth largest public hospital in Israel. It is the only hospital serving the nearly 600,000 Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Bedouin and Druze residents of the area. It is also the only hospital with an underground facility of 450 beds that can be sealed against biological and chemical warfare.
Also representing KKL-JNF at the ceremony were Yaron Ohayon, Head of the KKL-JNF Land Development Division; Ze’ev Neuman, KKL-JNF Vice Chairman; Ronnie Vinnikov, Executive Director of the KKL-JNF Resource Development Division, Dr. Omri Boneh, Director of KKL-JNF Northern Region and the Afforestation Division, and Dr. Shaul Chorev, former KKL-JNF Emissary to Germany.
Raya Strauss Ben Dror, President of the Friends of Galilee Medical Center organization, thanked KKL-JNF and Atar for their support of the hospital, as well as of the region.
“We wish you continued strength in your program. We want the best here because we deserve it,” she said.
Michael Illouz, Chairman of the Friends of Galilee Medical Center Board was also present at the ceremony.
David Ben Arush, a nephew of the late Gracia Toledano, spoke in name of the family. He said that the entranceway project was a fitting memorial for his aunt.
Nahariya Mayor Ronen Marelli thanked JNF-KKL Germany for their donation and KKL-JNF for their involvement in the region.
“Look at what an amazing place this is, but unfortunately we have to get by on our own. Without KKL-JNF and Raya and the Friends of the Galilee Medical Center and other amazing people who are sitting here today and the staff who work here, our situation would not be so good,” said Marelli. “So it is important that you have come and invested in the Galilee Medical Center. Thank you for your investment in the future, not only of the North and Nahariya, but for your investment in all of Israel.”
Dr. Masad Barhoum, the General Director of the Galilee Medical Center, emphasized that the cornerstone laying ceremony symbolized the importance of the medical center and proper health care in the Galilee and thanked former KKL-JNF emissary to Germany Shaul Chorev and JNF-KKL Germany for their generous donation.
He expressed his gratitude to Gracia Toledano’s family for their donation, saying that they were “dear friends” who are truly a part of the GMC family, and as well to as Friends of GMC for their role in the project.
“It is important to have a professional building which respects the dignity of all people who come here for treatment,” Dr. Barhoum said. “I see this ceremony as part of a renewal and blossoming of the center in general. The human mosaic that you see here is not just a way of life but it is a mission, and everyone gives of themselves.”
“I can only add how wonderful it is to have someone [like the KKL-JNF] who really loves the Galilee and is really helping to develop the Galilee with deeds and not just with words,” Barhoum added.