Although the Hadassah Medical Organization’s hospitals in Ein Kerem and on Mount Scopus are grateful for their hundreds of Israeli volunteers, more help is always required. Thus began the plan to invite foreign volunteers to assist in Hadassah’s Sharett Institute of Oncology.
Entitled the “Foreign Volunteer Program,” the initiative is coordinated by a dental student who introduces new volunteers to their units and roles and stays in touch with them during their service. Since the program began, there have been individual volunteers from Australia, Germany, and America, as well as groups of interns who came through special United States programs that arrange volunteer opportunities in Israel for young adults.
Feedback from volunteers around the world has been enthusiastic. “All of the staff are very gracious and supportive and one couldn't ask for a nicer team to work with“! related a volunteer from Australia.
“What an experience! My huge thanks to the staff that made my time of volunteering meaningful! I am 68 years young and hope to return to serve my new friends in any way they can use me,” reported an American volunteer.
“The first impression I had from Hadassah was: What a hospital full of friendly people; everyone is so nice to me and interested in what I am doing,” said a German volunteer.
The Head Nurses greatly appreciate this help and continue to request more volunteers. Those extra hands provide a valuable contribution to the demanding work of their departments where cancer patients struggle daily to return to health. It’s not easy for these patients to find people who are able to commit to a month or more to support them in their battle with cancer.
Hadassah continues to seek more people who would like this opportunity to help make beds, do light cleaning, sort supplies, and take on other tasks that keep a hospital unit functioning, while always having the opportunity to interact with patients and to get to know the hospital staff.
Those interested in becoming short-term volunteers (for one to three months) at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem are invited to write to Rosie Ben David at: rosebatsheva@gmail.com