As it approaches its 50th anniversary, Laniado Hospital – Sanz Medical Centre – reflects on five decades of compassionate, Torah-rooted care. Founded by the Sanz-Klausenburger Rebbe, zt”l, in fulfilment of a vow he made during the Holocaust, Laniado remains the only hospital serving Netanya and the wider Sharon region, home to more than 500,000 people.

Over the years, Laniado has welcomed more than 250,000 babies into the world, grown to 500 beds, and developed services that span every stage of life – from birth through to geriatric care.

Laniado’s affiliated School of Nursing trains around 200 students each semester, producing some of Israel’s most highly regarded nurses. The Ministry of Health has recognised Laniado as a “Teaching Hospital”, with many of its physicians holding university professorships and Certificates of Merit. Remarkably, Laniado is the only hospital in Israel whose staff have never participated in a national hospital strike.

As a voluntary, not-for-profit institution, Laniado treats every patient with the most advanced, lifesaving care available – regardless of age, background, or ability to pay. Since 1972, American Friends of Laniado Hospital has been instrumental in raising vital funds to ensure the hospital continues to thrive.

Stories of Hope and Healing

The impact of Laniado is perhaps best understood through the extraordinary stories that unfold within its walls.

In recent months, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Laniado has treated many wounded soldiers. One Home Front Command officer, stationed at the hospital, suffered a major heart attack while on duty. Within 12 minutes, he was in the catheterisation lab undergoing a lifesaving procedure. “It was truly a miracle that the heart attack happened while he was here in the hospital,” said Dr Ilan Rabie, who performed the treatment. The soldier made a full recovery, supported by his family – including his sister, who serves as a nurse at Laniado.

Meanwhile, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the team recently faced a remarkable challenge: caring for five sets of twins at the same time – alongside a set of triplets. Commenting on the record-breaking moment, Laniado CEO Nadav Chein said: “The new NICU we opened four years ago is part of a major expansion of our Women and Maternity Division. This now includes 12 delivery rooms, a new obstetrics emergency unit, new operating theatres, and soon, a third Maternity Department. The trust that mothers place in our staff is a direct result of their professionalism and dedication.”

credit: Jewishlink.news