At the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference at the Friends of Zion Media Center, Prof. Itai Pessach, VP of Sheba Medical Center and director of Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, described Sheba’s mission as being “factories of hope.” He clarified: “Our mission is to offer hope without limits. We do this not just through care, but by pushing boundaries and demonstrating what is possible and right.”
Reflecting on recent difficulties, Pessach shared that Sheba moved its 2,000-bed hospital underground during conflict. “That was a major challenge,” he said, “but we relied on our intuition, agility, and quick problem-solving.”
He highlighted the use of tele-rehabilitation, AI, and immersive tech to sustain treatment amid crises. Pessach also addressed Israel’s mental health crisis: “We know Israel faces a significant challenge with post-traumatic stress disorder.” In response, Sheba developed an AI-driven screening chatbot: “It’s a real conversation, people are very satisfied because it provides immediate responses. Previously, people waited a month or more, and that’s too long during a crisis.” On rehabilitation, Pessach stressed Sheba’s vital role in caring for wounded soldiers and released hostages.
“I personally met all the hostages…that first reunion moment with a family member is beyond anything I’ve experienced,” he said, describing it as both “extreme happiness and deep sorrow.” Despite hardships, Pesach reaffirmed Sheba’s core belief: “Especially for children, their background doesn’t matter. We treat everyone. We can wage war, but simultaneously, we must offer hope and a future.”
Written in collaboration with Sheba Medical Center