In Memory of a Warrior, for Those who Struggle

An especially moving event took place this past week: the opening of the Nitzan Mental Health Clinic at Mall Hof Village (Hadera). This clinic, a joint initiative of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center and Sha’ar Menashe Mental Health Center, was established to respond to the growing demand for accessible mental health services in the region, especially in light of the war.

The clinic is named after Sergeant First Class Nitzan Sassler z”l, who fell in Khan Younis in January 2024. His mother is a nurse at Hillel Yaffe, and he himself worked as a security guard at Sha'ar Menashe. Nitzan, the son of Perach and Erez, and older brother of Shai and Shir, grew up in Hadera. He was an outstanding student and gifted soccer player - a devoted Hapoel Tel Aviv fan. Ahead of his military service, he gave up a promising sports career to serve as a paratrooper, as his father before him.

"Nitzan was deeply loved by his colleagues at Sha’ar Menashe, not just the security team, but also the staff in the maximum-security wards where he worked," said Prof. Miki Dudkiewicz, Director of both medical centers, during the dedication ceremony. "I believe very little in life is coincidental. The deep, unbreakable bond that now exists between the Sassler family and Sha’ar Menashe, and between Sha’ar Menashe and Hillel Yaffe – a bond forged in blood on that terrible, bitter night – today we elevate it into something of healing, meaning and hope, in his memory and in his honor."

Inauguration ceremony of the Nitzan Clinic, with the management of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center and Sha’ar Menashe Mental Health Center, together with Nitzan’s mother, Perach Sassler

Leah Botzer, Administrative Director of Sha’ar Menashe, added, "Nitzan had his whole future ahead of him. His death is an irreplaceable loss. But I want to believe that the center we’re inaugurating today will carry his legacy and beautiful spirit forward for many years to come, that it will bring hope and healing, in the truest sense, to many people in emotional and psychological distress. Thanks to the care, recognition and early intervention offered here, their condition can improve immensely."

The clinic was established under the leadership of Yaniv Madar, Deputy Administrative Director of Sha’ar Menashe, and was made possible thanks to the support of the Jewish Federations of North America. Chani Cohen, their representative, shared at the ceremony that by October 8, the leaders of the Jewish Federations across North America understood that mental health would be a key focus of their donations. “I’m so moved to see that vision being realized here and at other centers,” she said. Dr. Muli Linder, Deputy Director of Sha’ar Menashe, added in this regard, “This is a very special form of memorial, not a monument or a physical structure, but something almost spiritual. In every war, many are left behind, wounded in body and soul, and they are the ones who will be treated here.”

The final speaker at the event was Perach Sassler, Nitzan’s mother, who touched everyone in attendance with her words, “Even just walking in and seeing the sign, Nitzan Center, brought tears to our eyes. Thank you for remembering Nitzan. As long as you remember him, his memory and his essence live on.

I’m so delighted that this place came to life. It will bring comfort and healing to those returning from Gaza, Lebanon and even earlier wars who are struggling. There is no shame in asking for help.”