Multi-Million Investment Brings Life-Saving PET-CT Institute to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center - A major breakthrough for cancer patients

With an investment of tens of millions of shekels and for the first time in the region, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center has inaugurated a state-of-the-art, advanced PET-CT Institute, marking a significant breakthrough for cancer patients in the Hadera area and its surroundings.

The institute was established at a cost of approximately NIS 28 million, the vast majority of which was funded through donations. The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust led the contributionswith a grant supporting the construction of the institute, which will be named the Helmsley PET-CT Institute. Major support was provided by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and the Koschitzky and Gitler families, who together funded the purchase of the PET-CT scanner. Additional significant contributions were made by the Adelis Foundation, in memory of the late Mr. André Cohen Deloro, the Friends of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center Association, which partners in the advancement and development of the hospital, and additional donors.

This is one of the most significant developments at the medical center in recent years, made possible entirely through philanthropy for the benefit of the community.

Until now, thousands of cancer patients from the region were required to travel long distances, often through heavy traffic, to central or northern Israel, sometimes while coping with complex medical conditions and significant physical and emotional strain — but no longer. The opening of the new institute fundamentally changes this reality, enabling patients to access essential, life-saving care close to home, where time and accessibility can make the difference between life and death.

The new institute spans approximately 540 square meters and is equipped with one of the most advanced PET-CT scanners in the world. The technology enables highly accurate imaging while reducing radiation exposure. The institute was carefully designed with special attention to patient comfort and family needs.

The new PET-CT Institute operates within the Department of Nuclear Medicine (Isotopes) and is part of a comprehensive, integrated continuum of cancer care under one roof, alongside the medical center’s oncology and hematology departments.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the hospital’s management, representatives of donors from Israel and abroad, officials from the Ministry of Health, the Mayor of Hadera, representatives of the Israel Cancer Association, members of the Friends Association, and hospital staff.

From right to left: Mr. Joseph Gitler; Mr. Rafi Koren, Administrative Director of the hospital; Mr. Safwan Marrih from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ); Prof. Mickey Dudkiewicz; Mr. Moshe Morag, Chairman of the Friends of the Hospital Association; Ms. Rebecca Boochris and Mr. Sidney Boochris of the Adelis Foundation; Ms. Dina Fainblat, Chief Nursing Officer; and Dr. Amnon Ben Moshe, CEO of the Hillel Yaffe Health Corporation

Prof. Mickey Dudkiewicz, Director of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center:

“This is a historic moment for the residents of the region and for the thousands of cancer patients and others who require repeated PET-CT scans, from initial diagnosis through ongoing monitoring during treatment. Each year, we treat approximately 11,000 oncology patients, with around 450 new cases diagnosed annually. For patients and their families, this is not a matter of convenience; it is a critical factor in timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved chances of recovery. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the generous donors who turned this vision into reality.”

Mr. Sandor Frankel, Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust:

“With the opening of the PET-CT Institute, we are one step closer to ensuring that everyone in Israel has access to comprehensive cancer care, no matter where they live. Helmsley is dedicated to supporting high-quality care for communities in the periphery as part of our efforts to expand Israel’s world-class healthcare services.”

Yael Eckstein, President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews:

“Strengthening hospitals in Israel’s periphery is a central mission for us. Cancer patients should not have to cope with long distances and difficult travel in order to receive essential care. We are proud to be part of the donation to the PET-CT scanner to Hillel Yaffe, which will transform the reality for thousands of residents in the region. In recent years, the Fellowship has invested approximately NIS 15 million in donating 16 advanced MRI, PET-CT, and CT scanners to hospitals across the country, to ensure high-quality, accessible, life-saving care close to home.”

From right to left: Prof. Mickey Dudkiewicz, Director of the Medical Center; Mr. Henry Koschitzky; Mr. Sidney Boochris; Mr. Safwan Marrih from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ); Mr. Joseph Gitler; Ms. Rebecca Boochris, Trustee of the Adelis Foundation; Dr. Katerina Tiktinsky, Director of the new institute; and Dr. Ealya Raysberg, Director of the Nuclear Medicine Department