A New Dawn for Ziv Medical Center
We have a vision and have made a promise to build differently after the tragic events of October 7th. For many of us who have spent our lives helping build Israel, we did what we do best: we identified the biggest gap with the greatest impact potential and took action.
In collaboration with doctors, philanthropic leaders, hospital systems experts, and trauma surgeons, and trusted IDF Colonel (ret) and national Israeli leader, Dr. Salman Zarka, we recognized the need to launch a new partnership to support Ziv Medical Center in Safed. This initiative ensures that Israel remains a bulwark of defense and a beacon of light—Ziv means "radiance" in Hebrew—for all the citizens of Israel’s North and the entire region.
Ziv is the nearest helicopter landing for wounded IDF soldiers. We are their best chance.
Dr. Avi Nissan
Our team embodies the spirit of Israel—unyielding, compassionate, and united in purpose.
Dr. Iris Leitersdorf
I joined Ziv Partners because I knew this was where I could make the most impact.
Dr. Nikolaj Wolfson
Supporting Ziv means being a part of something bigger than ourselves.
Dr. Roy Weiss
In times of crisis, Ziv Medical Center stands as a testament to resilience and unity.
Saul Fox
Every life saved at Ziv is a victory for humanity.
Dr. Enrique Ginzburg
Ziv Medical Center is not just a hospital; it's a beacon of hope for all of us.
Michal Ben Muvchar
After volunteering with the people at Ziv, the place captured my heart. I’m in this for the long run.
Dr. Joe Rosenblatt
Professor Zarka has gathered ‘A’ team players in every role. It’s an honor to be a part of this effort.
Dr. Gerald Sussman
"It is an immense honor to stand before you tonight, accepting this recognition on behalf of my esteemed colleagues. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Technion, where my journey began many years ago.
As a young teenager from Peki'in, a Druze village in the Galilee, I arrived here, and within these walls, my passion for science, medicine, and service was ignited. From the Technion's lecture halls to the battlefield as a military doctor for over 25 years, I learned that true leadership comes from resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Tonight, we gather to celebrate the Technion’s leadership in shaping students to love humanity and Israel, to take responsibility, to try the impossible, and to lead into the future. Even during the pandemic, we held firm to the belief that only through unity can we overcome adversity. This truth was tragically underscored on October 7th. Every one of us is needed, both here in Israel and around the world, to dispel darkness and bring forth light, fostering an enlightened world that embraces diversity and advances through scientific discovery.
As the director of Ziv Medical Center in Safed for the past decade, I have had the privilege of working with an exceptional team, dedicated partners, and the supportive Israeli government. Together, we have committed to eliminating health disparities and providing high-quality, life-saving services to all in need. Our mission extends beyond borders, as evidenced by our care for men, women, and children from Syria, who, despite being from an enemy nation, have received our treatment for many years.
Sergeant Jamal Abbas, from my village and a childhood friend of my sons, was tragically killed in Gaza. His friend, Shahar Friedman, also fell in battle, demonstrating values like friendship and bravery that forge the foundations of our society. It is my duty to immortalize their memories and share their story and what they stood for – at Ziv, to our country, and to the world.
In accepting this honor, I am reminded that our work is far from over. My colleagues and I remain committed to serving humanity, driven by a vision of a world where every individual can thrive in dignity. Together, we can dispel darkness and bring forth light, fostering a world that embraces diversity, pluralism, and scientific advancement.
On behalf of my colleagues and everyone shaped at the Technion, I wish you a successful conference. Thank you for making the Technion a priority in your lives. Your support and leadership paved my way.
Todah, Shukran, Thank you."
Dr. Zarka’s remarks on June 3rd to The Technion’s Board of Governors dinner in Haifa:
The Journey Begins
In late October, seven of us from South Florida met at Ziv Medical Center to assess the need, understand the long-term vision, and meet the dedicated team making it all happen. Ziv Medical Center was a small government hospital, virtually under the radar until October 7th. During our first visit, bonds were created—no matter, or perhaps because, we found ourselves in a bomb shelter before even sitting down for lunch.
Our Team
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Dr. Roy Weiss, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, FAAP, FACE Chairman, Department of Medicine, University of Miami
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Dr. Joe Rosenblatt, M.D. Professor of Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology
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Dr. Enrique Ginzburg, M.D. (and Barbara) Professor of Surgery, Chief of Surgery, Jackson South Community Hospital
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Dr. Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D. Cardiologist & Cardiovascular Researcher, Lennar’s Chief Medical Officer
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Saul Fox Founder, Fox Paine & Company, a private equity investment and advisory firm
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Pamela Dubin Civic Innovation Entrepreneur, former advisor to PM, President, Mayor of Jerusalem, Tech and UHNW philanthropy
Transformative Designation
In December, the Israeli Ministry of Health designated Ziv Medical Center as a new Level 1 Trauma Center. This designation marked a significant uplift for Ziv Medical Center. With the war raging in Gaza and expected battles with Hezbollah, we established Ziv Partners—a modern interpretation of a ‘friends of 501c3’—to ensure total accountability, fast-track processes, and direct donations to Ziv Medical Center.
Inspiring Leadership
In March 2024, Dr. Roy and Fay Weiss generously hosted Professor Zarka during his 48-hour visit to America. Prof. Zarka shared the short-term challenges of ‘Battle Days’ and the long-term vision to provide cutting-edge medical care to the diverse tapestry of people in the Galilee. Rising above politics, media, and the crushing blow of antisemitism, we recognize Ziv Medical Center as a true beacon of hope. Leading a team of over 2,000 staff from every ethnicity and faith tradition, Prof. Zarka fosters teams that leave politics at the door and unite to save lives.
A Call to Action
As Roy Weiss eloquently stated, “I have supported Shaare Zedek and Hadassah but hadn’t known about Ziv and what it needed. Now I understand the profound moment we are in: An Israeli Druze leader wakes up every morning thinking about saving Israeli and Jewish lives. How can I help more?”
Roy is right. Ziv Medical Center and Professor Zarka lack vast donor networks and familiarity with foundation staff. There is no English website or CRM with donor lists. Prof. Zarka is a man of the highest regard in Israel and was recently honored by The Technion’s Board of Governors for his leadership and vision. (see speech below)
Building Together
Ziv Partners, a 501c3 tax-deductible non-profit organization, is now the direct and efficient conduit to help Professor Zarka develop relationships with partners to build Ziv into the Level 1 Trauma Center that the IDF wounded and the citizens of Israel’s North deserve. With ‘humility and resilience’ as our strategy, the challenges come into focus. The people of the Galilee, a tapestry of faiths and roots spanning thousands of years, form a foundation and bulwark for Israel, as Baron Rothschild first recognized over a century ago when he built Ziv Medical Center.