This past week, the unique underground setting of Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel became a center of learning, creativity, and community support as it hosted an array of activities bringing joy and relief to children of Rambam employees and their families.
Children decorating the underground daycare facility.
Photography: Rambam HCC
Sunday marked a week since Rambam was instructed by the Israel’s Ministry of Health and Home Front Command to open its Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital, and it is astonishing what has unfolded during this time underground. The facility has not only served its critical medical purpose but has also transformed into a vibrant hub of educational, artistic, and supportive activities, fostering a sense of community and resilience among the families and children of Rambam employees.
Rocket Science Takes Off: Madatech Haifa – the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space, conducted an engaging educational program in the underground daycare for hundreds of children whose parents work at Rambam. This initiative was in preparation for the upcoming “Night of Scientists” events at the museum, which will be held virtually this year. The event proved to be a stimulating experience that sparked curiosity and interest in science among young minds.
A Madatech representative conducts science experiments with children in the underground daycare. Photography: Rambam HCC
Musical Healing: Musician Iris Friedman, known for her volunteer work in the Joan and Sanford Weil Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital at Rambam, brought her talents to the sheltered emergency room. Parents and children were serenaded, providing a soothing backdrop in a time of stress and uncertainty.
Family Support in Action: Demonstrating the close-knit community spirit at Rambam, nurse Yana Zviagilski extended a helping hand in the pediatric division. She provided care for a toddler, allowing their parents a much-needed moment of rest.
Art for Peace: In an uplifting display of hope, the children of Rambam employees painted a large banner featuring the word “peace.” This banner now decorates a space in the underground daycare facility, symbolizing hope and unity. (Featured photo, above)
Support for Caregivers: In the midst of their demanding roles, Rambam’s teams participated in stress-relief activities guided by therapists specializing in art and movement therapy. This initiative, facilitated by the hospital's psychological services, aimed at enhancing mental well-being for those working in the underground complex.
Babies Arrive at Underground Daycare
Kicking off the week, around 60 babies and toddlers, ages 0-3, of Rambam employees began attending the newly opened daycare classes within the underground facility. This addition complements the existing daycare services opened early last week for approximately 450 children, ages 3-12.
Babies playing in the underground daycare nursery.
Photography: Rambam HCC
Among the daycare attendees is Kerem, son of two hospital doctors, Dr. Shon Dahan from the Department of Ear, Nose & Throat, Head & Neck Surgery and Dr. Adi Dahan Nacie from Department of Pediatrics A. Dr. Dahan-Nashii expressed relief and gratitude, stating, “Last week was logistically challenging, requiring us to balance various childcare solutions. Having our children safely cared for at the hospital allows us to perform our duties without distraction.” The week’s activities highlight the resilience and community spirit within Rambam, ensuring families are supported and children remain engaged and safe during these challenging times.
A caregiver watches over the youngsters while they nap.Photography: Rambam HCC
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