Invisible Battles: Rambam Stands with Veterans on the Road to Healing
- RHCC
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Together with the Nazarian family, Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) has opened the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Mental Health and Wellness Clinic in Haifa’s City Center Mall, which marks a major expansion of mental health services for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat-related mental health conditions.
The new Younes and Soraya Mental Health and Wellness Clinic was made possible through the vision and generosity of the Nazarian family. Long-time friends of the city of Haifa, the Nazarians have been significant supporters of the National Library of Israel, the University of Haifa, and Rambam Health Care Campus.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav; Rambam’s Director General, Dr. Michal Mekel; Dr. Yael Caspi, Director of the new Clinic; Lior Levi, an IDF veteran treated at the Clinic; and Dr. Sharon Nazarian, President of the Y&S Nazarian Family Foundation. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting, plaque unveiling, and the presentation of a new sculpture, We Will Dance Again, by artist Soraya Sarah Nazarian installed in the clinic lobby to symbolize resilience and renewal following the events of October 7.
“It is a privilege for Rambam to extend the Nazarian family’s legacy by caring for the bravest among us. To the Nazarian family, thank you for your generosity and friendship,” says Dr. Mekel.
Dr. Yael Caspi describes the opening as the culmination of years of work: “This is a dream realized to serve our veterans.” IDF veteran and patient Lior Levi adds, “At the new clinic, I feel at home.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Sharon Nazarian shares, “Our investment strategy has always been about having long-term impact, and there is no better way we can imagine doing that than helping the healing of our brave soldiers in this beautiful new clinic in the heart of the city we care so much about, Haifa.”
Rambam’s Veterans’ Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, operated in partnership with the Ministry of Defense, was the first clinic of its kind in Israel and has been serving IDF veterans for more than 40 years. Today, it treats approximately 1,000 soldiers, which includes a 30% increase in veterans seeking care since October 7, 2023. As a result, the existing clinic could not keep pace with the rising demand.
The new facility gives Rambam the ability to expand PTSD treatment in a space intentionally designed for healing. Some patients, especially those who have suffered a traumatic event, find it difficult to receive treatment in a hospital. Rambam seeks to eliminate any perceived stigma, and is providing our military veterans with a calm, welcoming “non-hospital” environment. In addition, it is fully accessible to disabled individuals. The new clinic includes 18 private treatment rooms, two group treatment rooms, and dedicated areas for psychotherapy, neurofeedback, group sessions, and advanced medication monitoring.
The establishment of the Clinic was also supported by The Jewish Federations of North America, UJA-Federation of New York, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and the Grace and Truth Congregation, and we are grateful for their support and friendship
The Younes and Soraya Nazarian Mental Health and Wellness Clinic reflects the enduring commitment of Rambam and its donors to stand with Israel’s veterans today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
