A Study on Yoga and Resilience Conducted at Hillel Yaffe Led to a Visit by the Indian Ambassador to the Medical Center

This week, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center hosted the Indian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Jitender Pal Singh, along with other senior representatives of the Embassy of India. The visit included an informal conversation with the medical center's Director General, Prof. Mickey Dudkiewicz, as well as a joint yoga session with hospital staff and a musical performance. The visit was prompted by the publication of a study conducted at Hillel Yaffe on the contribution of yoga practice to strengthening the mental resilience of nursing staff during wartime.

After learning about the study through media coverage, the embassy team contacted the study's authors - Prof. Merav Ben Natan, Director of the Hillel Yaffe School of Nursing, and Karen Horowitz, Director of the Human Resources Department—to organize a special event marking the International Day of Yoga. The result was a unique gathering that brought a fresh dimension to Israel's public diplomacy efforts through the country's healthcare system.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to experience Indian culture firsthand and enjoyed music, food, and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the finest Indian traditions. As noted, they also practiced yoga together.

Yoga session during the visit of the Ambassador of India to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center

As part of his opening remarks, the Ambassador noted that during his time in Israel he had seen how widely yoga has been embraced by Israelis as a beneficial practice, particularly since October 7, and that the Embassy of India actively encourages yoga practice sessions on an ongoing basis. He also told those in attendance that, during a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he had mentioned his upcoming visit to Hillel Yaffe and told him about the unique study that had led to the event.

Prof. Mickey Dudkiewicz, Director General of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, said: "Our hospital teams work around the clock with professionalism and dedication to provide medical care and save lives. This is an excellent opportunity to give them a chance to step away from the intense demands of their daily routine, take a breath, recharge, and help prevent burnout. At the same time, hosting a special event like this is undoubtedly our contribution - and that of the healthcare system as a whole - to the national effort to present Israel in a positive light around the world."

The Ambassador concluded the visit with a tour of the Hillel Yaffe School of Nursing, where he learned about the school's extensive and highly regarded work from its director, Prof. Merav Ben Natan.

The Ambassador of India and his delegation with the management of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center