Friends of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center launched

An event marking the launch of Friends of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center was held on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at Elma Hotel in Zichron Ya'akov. On this special evening, at which singer Keren Peles volunteered to perform, funds were also raised for the purchase of an innovative device for the hospital's Gastroenterology Institute. It is used to help diagnose colon cancer, the second most prevalent form of cancer in Israel. The cost of the device is close to NIS 1 million. The emcee of the evening was actress Esti Zakheim, who even shared the personal story of her relative who had colon cancer.

The event was organized by the new Friends of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center and its head - Mr. Moshe Morag, a resident of Caesarea and a very active businessman, with the help of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center and its administration. Prominent friends and supporters, heads of regional councils and mayors, educators, hospital department and unit directors, hospital administration and others attended the event.

Ms. Lily Elstein, owner of Elma Hotel, donated the hospitality. Moshe Morag, Chairman of Friends of HYMC and Dr. Mickey Dudkiewicz, Director General of the Medical Center, welcomed the guests who crowded the hall. In addition, Clinical Asst. Prof. Yael Kopelman, Director of the Gastroenterology Institute, discussed the purpose of the device for which funds were being raised: help performing colonoscopy, a test that is essential in the diagnosis of colon cancer.

The event was capped by a spectacular performance by singer Keren Peles, who shared her personal experiences, as someone whose son has been treated numerous times at the Department of Pediatrics. Peles further stated that she immediately agreed to appear at the fundraiser, because she believes it is important to help strengthen a hospital that is close to home and that has a highly professional and dedicated staff.

Moshe Morag said, "We have assumed the task of working to raise funds to address the ever-growing needs of the hospital, both in terms of infrastructure and equipment, as well as in terms of scientific research and development. Our goal is to help enhance the hospital's reputation so that people who need medical care and have the right to choose will make us as their hospital of choice.

Dr. Mickey Dudkiewicz, Director General of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, said, "Compared to the human body, we view the new organization as the oxygen that balances the medical center's revenues and its needs and development at all levels. We believe that we need to provide comprehensive, quality and professional medical care. We are committed to quality of service and to the patient experience and to make optimal use of the most advanced infrastructures. I am positive that with the help of the new organization and its members, we will be able to do great things for our patients."

Among those who attended the event: CEO of Hadera Paper - Gadi Cunia, Chairman of the Manufacturers' Association of Israel - Shraga Brosh, Chairman of the Israel Export Institute - Ramzi Gabbay, CEO and owner of Mivnei Gazit - Tali Feiglin, former CEO of REIT and Gav-Yam - Sharon Schweppe, CEO and owner of Villar Group - Shlomo Tisser, Chairman and CEO of Lapidot Group, Ami and Ilan Lapidot, CEO of Amalsiudit - Dalia Korkin, Major General (res.) Amiram Levin, Major General (res.) David Ben-Besht, Brigadier General (res.) Dov Tamari, economic consultant and businessman - Ronny Tsalik, Hadera Mayor - Zvika Gendelman, Head of Hof HaCarmel Regional Council - Carmel Sela, owner of Elma Hotel - Ms. Lily Elstein, Head of Zichron Yaakov Council - Ziv Deshe, Judge Muhammad Masrawa, owner of Mawassi Concrete - Ahmed Mawassi, owner of Hadera Toyota - Moshe Parter, owner of UMI dealership in Hadera - Avinoam Cohen and CEO of Hadera High School Association - Dr. Arie Locker.