Dozens of family members stormed the Intensive Care Unit at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus on Monday evening and began rioting, breaking down the unit’s doors and windows, beating staff members and damaging computers and other equipment in the nurses’ station.
The family of one of the hospital’s patients had just learned that their relative had passed way. He had been evacuated to Hadassah Mt. Scopus in critical condition, undergoing resuscitation en route to the hospital.
Hospital security guards, with the assistance of police, restored order. Fortunately, no patients were injured. The hospital staff were, of course, shocked by the violence. Two staff members, who were injured lightly, were taken to the emergency room for treatment.
Dr. Tamar Elram, director of Hadassah Mount Scopus, hearing of the incident, immediately came to the hospital. “We at Hadassah,” she said, “express deep shock at the horrific event that has taken place here, at a hospital where we only think about saving lives and alleviating the pain of our patients. Our team, dedicated people who do their jobs faithfully around the clock, have been beaten and injured. We cannot believe that, after the efforts invested in caring for this patient, his family has rewarded them with such violence. One of the nurses told me, ‘I have been a nurse for 21 years, and this is the first time I have feared for my life.’ We will not rest until the full force of the law is brought to bear.”
Dr. Elram added, “I stand here in sorrow, and I embrace each and every staff member. We will continue to do everything possible to maximize the staff's sense of protection in the face of violent incidents.”
Hospital staff assemblies were held at both Hadassah Mt. Scopus and Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem to reassure everyone that the hospital management does not believe any act of violence is acceptable at the hospitals, and to convey support for them as they perform their jobs with so much dedication. The staff showed enormous resolve on both hospital campuses. Employees from every department and every denomination came together to say no to violence and to reaffirm that they will continue with their lifesaving work, no matter what. Hospital managers who spoke at the assembly called on the Israeli Health Ministry to do whatever is necessary to prevent a repeat occurrence of such violence.
Rhoda Smolow, president of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America (HWZOA), noted, “HWZOA and all its members, donors and supporters find the riots at Hadassah Mt. Scopus to be incomprehensible. We condemn all violence and denounce all involved in such hateful acts. Hadassah Mt. Scopus and Hadassah Ein Kerem are halls of healing. The doctors, nurses and all other hospital staff go above and beyond for every patient that comes through their doors, regardless of religion, race or political affiliation. We are grateful that no one was killed, and we pray that the hospital will be able to continue their work without fear. We appreciate our devoted staff, and we thank them for all that they do.”