When Iranian missiles targeted southern yesterday, one of them struck the fifth floor of Soroka Medical Centre—a section of the hospital that is not reinforced or sheltered. Incredibly, no lives were lost. That’s because, in the days leading up to the attack, Soroka’s team had begun proactively relocating patients from that vulnerable area into protected zones. It was a life-saving decision. The missile hit where patients had recently been—but no longer were. The outcome could have been devastating. Instead, it was a miracle of foresight and preparation.

The lesson is clear. In today’s security reality, hospitals can no longer rely solely on clinical excellence; they need physical protection. Soroka’s quick action turned a near-tragedy into a powerful reminder of the importance of being ready—not just medically, but structurally.

Unfortunately, Laniado Hospital is still waiting for that safeguard. The majority of our Emergency Department and Maternity remains in an exposed zone. In the event of a missile alert, the most vulnerable patients—those on ventilators, undergoing treatment, or in critical condition—cannot be moved quickly or safely. They are, quite literally, left unprotected. Our medical teams are forced to carry on with lifesaving work under the shadow of sirens and distant explosions, knowing there is no reinforced barrier between them and potential disaster. This is not a situation any caregiver—or patient—should be forced to accept.

We wanted to share this with you to offer a clear picture of the reality we’re facing on the ground. Like Soroka, we’ve begun moving as many patients as possible into sheltered areas of the hospital. But unlike Soroka, a large part of our Emergency Department and Maternity remain unprotected — and there are patients who simply cannot be moved in time.

This is the challenge our teams face every day. They continue to deliver care with calm, courage, and professionalism, even under the threat of sirens and rocket fire. We believe that every patient deserves care in safety — and that no doctor or nurse should have to choose between their duty and their personal safety.

Thank you for taking a moment to understand what’s happening at Laniado. Being informed is a vital step in helping us move forward, together.