Shaare Zedek Medical Center Jerusalem

10/11/2025

Pride to Shaare Zedek… Pride to Israel

Prof. Ephrat Levy Lahad, the Robin Chemers Neustein Director of the Fuld Family Medical Genetics Institute at Shaare Zedek Medical Center has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Basser Global Prize by the The Basser Center for BRCA at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

Each year, the Basser Global Prize recognizes a leading scientist who has advanced BRCA1 and BRCA2-related research. Individuals with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at an increased risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.

“I am immensely grateful for being chosen for the Basser Award.
Throughout my 30 years of activity and research, my goal has always been to bring new discoveries in the field of cancer, with the hope that we can develop solutions to help reduce the risk of cancer morbidity and thereby save lives," Prof. Levy Lahad said.
"I sincerely hope that our work within the Institute of Medical Genetics will lead to new discoveries in the field of cancer in ways that will further improve quality of life and extend life expectancy.”

Prof. Levy Lahad, also a Professor of Internal Medicine and Medical Genetics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is one of the world’s leading experts on inherited breast cancer among Jewish women. Women and men of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry have a 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. This is about a five times greater chance than that of the general population.

Her research accomplishments include establishing for the first time that risks of breast and ovarian cancer are high among BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers identified from the general population—not just among carriers with a family history of cancer. This work provided the evidence-base and impetus for implementing a free nationwide genetic screening program among Ashkenazi Jews in Israel, which has since expanded to include Ethiopian Jews. More than 60,000 women are now tested annually for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Levy-Lahad has also co-led the Middle East Breast Cancer Study (MEBCS) of newly diagnosed Palestinian breast cancer patients and their families, identifying features unique to this population.

“The Basser Global Prize recognizes scientists who are transforming our understanding of BRCA-related cancers and inspiring hope for the future,” said Susan M. Domchek, MD, Executive Director of the Basser Center for BRCA. “Prof. Levy-Lahad’s innovative work exemplifies the scientific excellence and collaboration that drives progress forward for individuals and families affected by BRCA mutations.”

The Fuld Family Medical Genetics Institute at Shaare Zedek Medical Center is an internationally-renowned center of medical genetics research and genetics counseling involved with the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of hereditary disorders, including pioneering work in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Among its many achievements, the Institute’s studies have firmly established Shaare Zedek as key players on the world stage in research of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

The Basser Global Prize was established and endowed by Shari Potter and Leonard Potter, following the establishment of the Basser Center in 2012 by University of Pennsylvania alumni Mindy and Jon Gray in memory of Mindy and Shari’s sister Faith Basser, who died of ovarian cancer at age 44.

03/11/2025

Prof. Pinchas (Philip) Hashkes, Director of the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit at Shaare Zedek has been awarded the ACR Master title – one of the most prestigious honors granted by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Prof. Hashkes, a long-time renowned figure in the Israeli medical community, was presented the award this past week at the annual meeting of the ACR in Chicago.

This distinguished honor is awarded to College members credited with making significant contributions to the field of rheumatology, achieved outstanding academic accomplishments, and served their patients and students with excellence.

Prof. Hashkes is one of only 16 physicians worldwide selected to receive this prestigious honor for 2025.

Prof. Hashkes said, “I am deeply humbled and grateful to the ACR for selecting me for this recognition. Throughout my career in Israel and the U.S., I have had the privilege of learning from, collaborating with, and teaching wonderful colleagues from around the world — including numerous pioneers and leaders in the fields of pediatric rheumatology and autoinflammatory diseases.

I view this award also as tribute to the high level of rheumatology and clinical care provided to diverse populations in Israel, and I am especially grateful to have contributed to the rapid growth of pediatric rheumatology in Israel.”

In addition to his role at Shaare Zedek he also serves as the Chair of the Israeli Society for Pediatric Rheumatology.
Prof. Hashkes began his medical career studying at the Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, later specializing in Pediatrics, and in 1994 continued with a fellowship in Pediatric Rheumatology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Upon returning to Israel, he worked as a physician at Ziv, Poriya, and Emek Medical Centers, where he established new pediatric rheumatology clinics.

From there, he was recruited to head the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit at the Cleveland Clinic, one of the world’s most prestigious hospitals. In 2009, he assumed his current role at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit at Shaare Zedek.

In addition, Prof. Hashkes is an Associate Professor at the Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine. His main fields of interest and research include arthritis treatment, vasculitis (blood vessel diseases), and auto-inflammatory diseases, including Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). He has published around 200 scientific articles, some in leading international journals, and authored chapters in major textbooks in the field. He also served as Chief Editor of the first textbook dedicated to autoinflammatory diseases, and represents rheumatology on the editorial board of the Journal of Pediatrics.

As noted, Prof. Hashkes has played a significant role in advancing the field of pediatric rheumatology in Israel. He served as Chair of the Examination Committee (2012–2018), and co-founded (together with Prof. Yosef Uziel) Israel’s first pediatric rheumatology fellowship program. He led efforts to include many advanced medications in the national health basket, represented the pediatric section on the board of the Israel Rheumatology Association, and currently serves as its Chair.

27/10/2025

Shaare Zedek Study Broadens Dietary Options for Chron’s Disease Sufferers

A team of researchers from The Juliet Keidan Institute of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem have released the findings of a study designed to significantly enhance the dietary options and quality of life for children and young adults suffering from Crohn's Disease.

The study, funded with support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, was conducted across 17 medical centers around the world to test the efficacy of the Tasty&Healthy (T&H) whole food diet (https://tasty-healthy.com ) as compared to the Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) diet, which had previously been viewed as the dietary standard for younger Crohn's patients.

“At Helmsley, our focus is on meeting the real-world needs of people living with Crohn’s disease,” said Shefali Soni, Program Officer at the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “We recognize that navigating diet is one of the most difficult aspects of daily life for patients and families. We’re excited to support this research on the Tasty&Healthy diet, which has the potential to make a meaningful difference in their care.”

Prof. Dan Turner, Director of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Shaare Zedek said, “This study served as the first randomized trial to prove the effectiveness of an exclusive whole food diet diet as an alternative to EEN, with the understanding that the T&H diet can be a far more manageable and accesible option for many patients. We are confident that the findings of this study will open the door for far more widespread integration of the T&H diet in ways that will significantly better the lives of children and families coping with Crohn's and pave the way for other studies of how to integrate this way of life into clinical care and nutritional therapy.”

The study found that patients reported far higher levels of tolerability to T&H foods as compared to EEN (88% versus 52%) while experiencing comparable clinical and biological remission rates. Patients on the T&H diet exhibited a healthier microbiome showing increased diversity and enrichment of healthy species. The study further showed the two diets offered similar improvements in inflammation markers and overall quality of life.
“This clinical trial is the first in a series of three focusing on how patients with specific digestive disorders can still enjoy diverse food options and a healthy, fully and tasty lifestyle,” Prof. Turner said.

The study came alongside the release of the latest Hebrew edition of the “Tasty&Healthy” cookbook, which provides a collection of recommendations and recipes that integrates the basic principles of the T&H diet to enable individuals with digestive disorders to enjoy a wider variety of food without the harmful side effects that typically come with these conditions. The book has recipes and dietary guidance for people coping with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac and lactose intolerance. The book was authored by Chef Omer Miller and Culinary Consultant Elinoar Rabin together with Prof. Turner and the dietician Luba Plotkin. All proceedings from the sales of this charity book will go to support further research benefiting Crohn's patients.

17/10/2025

15/10/2025

Shaare Zedek Extending Global Reach In Innovative Prostate Care

While Shaare Zedek routinely treats patients from all across Israel, just last week the hospital’s Department of Urology helped provide groundbreaking care for a patient who travelled specially to Jerusalem from South Africa. The patient, John Okerke underwent successful aquablation care to reduce excess tissue in the prostate.

John says that he had extensively researched options to address his particular condition before discovering Prof. Boris Chertin, Director of the Department of Urology at Shaare Zedek.

“I thoroughly investigated leading urology centers around this world that are experts in this particular approach and specialize in it. After consulting with doctors both locally in South Africa and internationally, many recommended Prof. Chertin and Shaare Zedek. After contacting Prof. Chertin and he reviewing my case, he invited me to travel to Jerusalem for the surgery. Everything went as planned and the operation was performed successfully two days later I was able to return home to South Africa. Throughout, I received excellent service and the highest levels of medical care.”

The Prostate Treatment Service at Shaare Zedek operates as a national referral service treating patients sent from all over Israel and is respected as one of the top centers in the world in its particular field.

Prof. Chertin is regularly invited to lecture at international conferences regarding the use of the most advanced technologies for caring for urology patients of all ages. He recently presented to a forum of leading urologists in Moscow about the creation of the Shaare Zedek center and its development into a world-class institution.

Prof. Chertin commented:
“Through the combination of our advanced technologies together with a highly experienced medical team, we have established a unique prostate treatment center that provides truly comprehensive care. This allows us to choose the most suitable procedure for each patient to achieve optimal results. In recent years hundreds of patients have been treated here for a wide variety of conditions and have been blessed to return to fully normal function and enjoy good health and high-quality lives.”

25/09/2025

In a further signal of Shaare Zedek’s growing prominence on the international medical scene, Prof. Nir Peled, Director of the Helmsley Cancer Center, played a major role at the WCLC 2025 (World Conference on Lung Cancer).

The event, held in Barcelona, is widely recognized as the preeminent professional conference in its field. Prof. Peled, an expert in treatment and research of lung cancer, served as the Chair of the Interdisciplinary Forum for the Establishment of Global Treatment Standards within the IASLC (The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer).

In this capacity, he heads the process of collating clinical protocols used in leading oncology treatment centers around the world for the treatment of lung cancer, allowing for a united approach to treatment leading to better and more coordinated patient care.

In light of his visionary leadership and research achievements, Prof. Peled stands at the forefront of global cancer care and is positioned to bring further professional pride to Shaare Zedek and Israel on the international stage.

10/09/2025

Israeli Ministry of Health's 2024 Quality Survey Establishes Shaare Zedek Medical Center as National Leader in Emergency Care with the Lowest Rate of Patient-Returns to the ER Within 48 Hour Period.

The 2024 Quality Indicators Report by the Israel Ministry of Health has ranked Shaare Zedek as one of the leading hospitals in Israel in meeting quality standards.

The report specifically found that Shaare Zedek has the lowest rate for patient returns to the Emergency Department during the 48 hour period after being discharged – with only three percent of patients returning.

Prof. Ofer Merin, Director General of Shaare Zedek, responded to the report saying: “Placement among the top medical institutions in Israel again this year is a source of true pride for our hospital. Our commitment to the people of the greater Jerusalem area and beyond is to provide excellent care and invest in innovation and technological progress in ways that ensure every patient is treated with the personalized attention and compassion they deserve. The greatest debt if gratitude goes to every member of our staff who are so dedicated to our patients each and every day.”

The hospital is home to the Jerusalem region’s most active emergency service which treats over 150,000 people annually. The adult emergency department which saw over 100,000 cases in 2024 is directed by Dr. Todd Zalut.

"This is a highly deserving badge of honor for our ER teams who provide professional and high-quality care," said Dr. Gal Pachys, Director of the Emergency Medicine Service at Shaare Zedek. "The low rate of patient returns is another indication of the dedication, professionalism, and remarkable capabilities of our emergency teams, and we all deserve to be deeply proud of their achievements.”

The report also found that Shaare Zedek, home to the Helmsley Neurology Center, is the leading medical center in Jerusalem and one of the top five in the country for providing urgent intravenous treatment or performing brain catheterizations for stroke events, with 170 cases treated in 2024.

In addition, in the metric of average time to perform a head CT/MRI for stroke patients, Shaare Zedek ranks among the top in the country, with a median time of 24 minutes (compared to the benchmark of 25 minutes) in 254 patients treated during the survey period.

The stroke care system is led by Dr. Roni Eichel, Director of the Neurology Department.

Dr. Kobi Amsalem, Head of the Interventional Neuroradiology Unit at Shaare Zedek, added:
"Over the past few years our brain care service at Shaare Zedek has become the largest in the city and one of the largest in the country. The continuous increase in the number of cases being brought to Shaare Zedek is a reflection of the high level of trust patients and emergency response teams place in us for top level care at the times when it is needed most.”

08/09/2025

In response to this morning’s attack, Shaare Zedek has opened a dedicated mental health emergency room to care for any individual’s experiencing emotional stress related to the events and is in need of professional support. Shaare Zedek’s team of psychologists and social workers have extensive experience responding to incidents of this nature and are prepared to respond to all needs that arise.

The service is located adjacent to the main Department of Emergency Medicine and individuals can present without any need for insurance or other payment documentation.

For more details call 02-655-5111

08/09/2025

Update on the condition of the wounded from Dr. Alon Schwartz, Director the Trauma Unit at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

08/09/2025

Shortly after 10:30 this morning the Trauma Unit at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center began receiving patients from the shooting attack near the city’s Ramot neighborhood. The hospital has so far absorbed seven patients. One woman was in critical condition and tragically her death was confirmed shortly after arrival. Four are in serious condition and currently in surgery to stabilize their conditions. The remaining two are in moderate condition and being treated in the Emergency Department.

07/09/2025

Milestone at Shaare Zedek Medical Center ✨

In a further breakthrough for the Jesselson Integrated Heart Center at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center, we were proud to perform the first endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) procedure using the Terumo VirtuoSaph® Plus system. The procedure was successfully performed by Dr. Ari Naimark, Director of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Shaare Zedek.

The advanced procedure presents a variety of direct benefits to the patient including reduced complications from wounds which leads to decreased pain and a speedier recovery. EVH also is performed using a small incision offering superior cosmetic results.

This approach also offers excellent vein conduit quality providing an additional advantage for patients undergoing CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.)

26/08/2025

The Department of Plastic Surgery at Shaare Zedek is proud to be the first in Israel to introduce a groundbreaking new procedure to help women following mastectomies.

Dr. Yoav Gronovich, Director of Plastic Surgery at Shaare Zedek, together with Dr. Adi Maisel -Lotan, Director of the Microsurgery Service, explained, “This surgery is intended for women who have undergone mastectomies and as a result may have experienced a loss of sensation in their chest area. The surgery is designed to restore nerve function to the affected area and help improve quality of life and overall sense of self confidence that we know can be impacted as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis.”

If you’re interested in finding out more you’re invited to contact the Department at 02-666-6375 or at daniellep@szmc.org.il

More information regarding the approach can be found in the article from Mako (in Hebrew) at:

https://www.mako.co.il/health-magazine/Article-aa9a0c36ccbd891027.htm