Ukraine’s First Lady tours Israeli hospital: ‘Our healthcare system can’t cope alone’

The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, met with Israeli doctors and medical experts on Monday, accompanied by her Israeli counterpart, Michal Herzog.

Zelenska visited Sheba Medical Centre, hoping to further collaborate with Israel in the field of medicine and healthcare system.

The two First Ladies of Ukraine and Israel met 11-year-old Jonathan who has been hospitalised for a month at the Department of Child Psychiatry.

Jonathan, whose mother assisted citizens injured in the war in Ukraine, told Zelenska and Herzog about his experience in the department, and the professional treatment he received.

According to a statement from Sheba hospital, Zelenska was “amazed by the uniqueness of the department, the children’s rooms, and the educational space in the department.”

“I hope that we can create new programs in collaboration with our experts from Ukraine and your experts from Israel to strengthen our healthcare system, particularly in the field of mental health. We need programs that support mental health and assist in the rehabilitation of injured citizens, including children, adults, and the elderly. Our healthcare system cannot cope alone,” Zelenska said.

Israel’s First Lady, Michal Herzog, said she was pleased that Zelenska came to see the special treatment Israel is doing for children. “Israel is very proud, and we want to share our knowledge, infrastructure, and excellent medical facilities with those in need around the world,” Herzog said.

Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, the Director General of Sheba Medical Centre, stressed the hospital’s “unwavering commitment to extending assistance and fostering hope without boundaries, with the knowledge and experience of our staff, will help build a safer and brighter future.”

“This is the spirit of Sheba and the spirit of the entire State of Israel. We wish you and all of Ukraine good and peaceful lives,” he said.

Ukraine is has received humanitarian assistance from Israel during the war with Russia but Kiev is still pressing Israel to support it militarily.

Israel, which has been led by three different prime ministers since the beginning of the war last year, has been reluctant to provide military assistance to Ukraine, fearing it would endanger its close military coordination with Russia in Syria’s skies.

Israeli airstrikes, often carried out weekly, are coordinated with Russia, so as not to hit Russian troops or military bases.