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Newsletter
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Herzog Hospital Newsletter - April 2007
RESPONDING TO THE WAR IN THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH
For the past two years, Herzog Hospital’s Temmy and Albert Latner Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma has been providing extensive psychological counseling programs for parents and their children in Sderot to help them cope with the daily barrage of Kassam rockets. This includes special workshops for parents of toddlers. Research conducted by staff has shown that toddlers exhibit developmental problems when either they or their parents suffer from psychological trauma. Workshops are also being conducted throughout the school system.
With the war in Lebanon, the Trauma Center staff immediately turned their attention to emergency needs for psychological assistance to help the residents of the north. In addition to staff being sent up north to counsel and train other professionals in trauma counseling techniques, the Center provided trauma counseling programs at day camps for children relocated from the north to the center of the country; to people residing in shelters, to de-mobilized soldiers suffering from shock and to youth group leaders to help them work more effectively with children. The Center also organized numerous free discussion groups open to the general public. METIV, the Center’s Crisis Walk-In Center was inundated with people coming to seek help. After the war, the work is continuing with trauma counseling programs being provided throughout schools in the north.
GROUND BROKEN FOR NEW HOSPITAL WING
The Hospital has broken ground for the much needed new 36 bed Wing. Numerous dedication opportunities are available.
CHILDRENS’ RESPIRATORY UNIT
The Hospital’s Chronic Care Respiratory Support Department that was first opened seven years ago, has grown to over 60 beds and today is one of the largest in Israel. It has developed an excellent reputation throughout Israel based on the special training and expertise of its staff. As a direct result of the successes in treating patients, and weaning patients off of ventilator support, Israel’s Ministry of Health has requested that Herzog open a special respiratory unit just for children. The Hospital has now established a new Children’s Respiratory Unit which already has ten children ranging in age from six months to teenagers. A specially designed ward has been set aside to create a home-like atmosphere for the kids. It is the only service of its kind for children in need of long term respiratory care in the Jerusalem area and one of only two in Israel. Some of the children were born with genetic defects or sustained brain damage after an accident or illness and are therefore unable to breathe adequately on their own. Due to a rapid increase in demand, the Children’s Respiratory Care Unit is now operating at full capacity and plans are being made to construct a new floor, dedicated exclusively for children. This includes the purchase of additional ventilators, monitors and other medical equipment suitable for children.
INTEGRATIVE BRAIN HEALTH CENTER
Herzog Hospital has opened an Integrative Brain Health Center, which brings together the advantages of conventional and complementary medicines. This center, directed by Dr. Yakir Kaufman - Herzog’s Director of Neurological Services- is among the first to provide this service in Israel. The Center is unique in its concept of relating to each person in a holistic way: not merely caring for and treating the disease or illness a person suffers from, but also focusing on the enhancement of the person’s overall well-being. In addition to standard medical treatment by a multi-disciplinary staff, which includes a neurologist, a psychologist, physical and occupational therapists, individuals are offered treatment modes of complementary medicine - such as acupuncture, tai-chi, reflexology, naturopathy, shiatsu, biofeedback, relaxation techniques and more. The personalized treatment program is tailored to fit the specific needs of each individual. The Center is already working with the Israel Parkinson’s Disease Society to provide special and new ways to help those suffering from Parkinson’s.
MEN’S PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENT RENOVATED
The construction and renovations continue. Over the past several years, Herzog has totally renovated eight entire departments. These areas are being expanded to accommodate the increase in the number of patients and visitors to the Hospital.
ETHIOPIAN TRAINING COURSES EXPAND
The Hospital’s program to train Ethiopian women to become geriatric nurse’s aides has started its fifth class. This successful program both trains the women and arranges employment for them, either at Herzog or at other geriatric institutions after they graduate. This program is supported exclusively through donations. Recent supporters include the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, the Rochlin Foundation, and the Robert Russell Foundation. To date over 125 women have graduated the program and have found employment in the field.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PROJECT
The Jerusalem chapter of Rotary International has initiated a special campaign that has enabled Herzog Hospital to purchase technologically advanced videoconference equipment. This new communication center enables Hospital medical staff to interact and consult with their colleagues overseas through live videoconferencing. The Rotary project has now been expanded to include Rotary Clubs from around the world, establish Herzog as an international center for distance learning. The International President of Rotary and the District Governor of Rotary Israel have expressed their support for this international project. The Rocky Mount Rotary Club in North Carolina has already made a significant contribution to the project, while other Rotary Clubs from around the world have also expressed their interest in supporting the project. For any other Rotary Clubs seeking more information, contact the Public Relations office: info@herzoghospital.org
LIVE VIDEOCONFERENCES AT HERZOG
International multi-site live videoconferences are now being routinely broadcast at Herzog’s Lily silver Education Center. Discussions are being held on numerous health care issues. Doctors from the Baycrest Medical Center in Toronto, Canada consulted with peers at Herzog about cases in the field of behavioral neurology. Live memory enhancement courses broadcast from Toronto are also presented at Herzog. In the past, videoconferences have included health care professionals from South Africa, Jordan the Palestinian Authority and the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.
NEW CHAPLAINCY SERVICE ESTABLISHED
With the help of seed funding from UJA Federation of New York, the Hospital has established a chaplaincy service for its patients. The concept of hospital chaplain is not yet fully developed in Israel. The addition of this pastoral care will further assist the patients and their families in dealing with illness and hospitalization. Through this pilot project launched at Herzog, educational programs will also be offered to other hospitals, health care professionals, spiritual leaders and the general public in Israel. Dr. Efraim Jaul, who coordinates the service, and Dr. Danny Brom, participated in the National Association of Jewish Chaplains Conference in Los Angeles to learn more about chaplaincy care service.
CONDOLENCES TO THE BRAVER FAMILY
Herzog Hospital’s administration and staff offer their condolences to the family of Mrs. Sydelle Braver z”l, of Hug Tzameret and longtime volunteer, who managed the Hospital’s very special gift shop. During her many years of coordinating all aspects of the completely volunteer gift shop, significant funds were raised to buy much needed medical equipment, to benefit the Hospital's patients. May her family be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
CONDOLENCES TO THE MERCHAVIA FAMILY
We express our condolences to Emunah Merchavia from our Physical Therapy Unit and her family on the death of her brother Amichai z”l in the war in Lebanon. May they know no more sorrow.
CONFERENCE ON RISK MANAGEMENT - PROFESSIONAL CONFLICTS
Herzog Hospital held a one day conference on Risk Management and Professional Conflicts. The conference examined such issues as staff-patient relations; policy and procedure to protect the rights and care of the patient; and mediation as a tool to solving problems with patients and families. This conference, like all conferences at Herzog Hospital, was held in the Lily Silver Education Center.
RIVLIN FAMILY PROJECT
Herzog Hospital/Ezrath Nashim was established in 1894 by Asher and Yosef Yoel Rivlin. They were soon joined by the women of the Ezrath Nashim Association, led by Haya Zippa Pines and later by her daughters, Ita Yellin and Margalit Meyuhas. The Hospital is celebrating its 112th anniversary by initiating a project to dedicate a new Psychogeriatric Section of the Hospital in honor of the extended Rivlin Family and the Old Yishuv-HaYishuv HaYashan
This project will mobilize the international network of the Rivlin family and others to raise the funds needed to construct this new section of the Hospital. While seeking to raise funds both through a specially developed website and through parlor meetings around the world, this project will also serve as an educational tool, with links to websites about the history of the Rivlin family and the Old Yishuv. During the 112 years, the Family has maintained its involvement with Herzog. Rachel Rivlin was a member of the Hospital’s board for over 40 years.
Prof Yosef Yoel Rivlin wrote the book commemorating the first 75 years of the Hospital. In 1980, the Rivlin Family held a family reunion in Jerusalem which was attended by 2,500 family members. This new campaign to dedicate the Psychogeriatric Wing is one part of the Family’s next planned reunion to be held in Jerusalem in 2009. More information is available on the specially created website, www.rivlinfamily.org
ETGAR ADHD CLINIC
The ETGAR ADHD Clinic continues to expand, helping an ever increasing number of children and their parents. The Clinic provides extensive and interdisciplinary treatment to children suffering from hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders. The services are available to all children suffering from ADHD in the greater Jerusalem area at relatively low costs, which enables more children to receive treatment. Etgar also operates a special program to provide treatment to children and families who otherwise cannot afford such treatment.
IN MEMORIAM
Friends of Herzog who have passed away recently
Mr. Alec Rogoff, Chairman of the Aaron Beare Foundation in South Africa, a major long time supporter of the Hospital.
Dr. Joseph Lerner, Co-editor of IMRA and husband of Hug Yovel president Sue Lerner.
SHLOMO HALEVI AWARD
The family of Shlomo Halevi z”l, a long time, second generation member of the Hospital's Boards of Directors and chairman of Herzog’s Board between 1997-2000, has established a special annula award in his memory. This award is presented to Hospital personnel who have made a unique contribution to the Hospital in the field of management. This year, the award was given to Sigalit Arbaboff, Daniele Guedj and Dr. Julia Namestnick for their outstanding work in establishing the Children’s Respiratory Unit. Ronit Levi, the Director of Occupational Therapy, received the award last year for her initiative to establish Herzog’s new Snoezlen Room.
Shlomo Halevi z”l, a former member of the Jerusalem City Council was also honored by the City of Jerusalem this year, for his great contributions to the city, and had a street named after him. In addition, his family has published a book about him, entitled "And All the Beauty That Was" in his memory.
CONFERENCE ON LONG TERM RESPIRATORY SUPPORT
Herzog’s staff have developed expertise in treating chronically respirated patients. The Hospital orgnized a conference, to share the knowledge with other health care professionals throughout Israel. The conference, discussed guidelines for weaning patients from a respirator, advantages of moisture administration, ethical dilemmas of isolating a patient, treatment resistant bacteria in chronic respiration departments, and ethical aspects of treating a respirated patient. The conference was held at the Lily Silver Education Center, and was attended by over 100 health care professionals.
The conference was over subscribed and so well received, that another conference is already being planned for those who could not attend.
ISRAEL’S MINISTER FOR SENIOR AFFAIRS VISITS HERZOG
Israel’s Minister for Senior Affairs, Rafi Eitan visited the Hospital to learn more about effective ways to treat elderly patients, and ways in which his newly created Ministry can help.
ROCHLIN FOUNDATION SUPPORT
The Abraham and Sonia Rochlin Foundation has been a long-time supporter of projects at Herzog Hospital. They are currently helping to fund the Ethiopian Geriatric Nurses Aides Training Program. Prior to that, they provided an important donation to establish the ETGAR Children’s ADHD Clinic. They were also responsible for funding the salaries of two Russian-speaking therapists at the Hospital’s Community Mental Health Center.
STEVEN SPIELBERG FOUNDATION CONTINUES ITS SUPPORT
The Righteous Persons Foundation of Steven Spielberg has recognized the successes of the work of the Hospital’s Psychotrauma Center and has supported it for the past three years.
NEW HELIPORT AT HERZOG
The ground has been cleared and the first helicopter has landed at Herzog’s new heliport. It was built to accommodate the arrival of patients, as well as providing a landing facility for other helicopters needing to reach Jerusalem. It is now in almost daily use, sometimes with as many as five helicopters on the ground at once.
GUEST LECTURERS AT HERZOG
Dr. Shuki Cohen, from Prime Clinic, Department of Psychiatry at Yale University Research Workshop, spoke about “Early Identification and Preventive Treatment in Psychotic Disorders”.
Dr. Sherryn Levinoff Roth, Director of the Department of Medicine and of the Heart Function Cilnic at Scarsborough Hospital in Toronto, presented Grand Rounds on Heart Failure in the Elderly.
CLAIMS CONFERENCE SUPPORT
The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany - the Claims Conference - has provided major support towards the refurbishing of several Hospital departments and the purchase of medical equipment. This support was made based on the fact that up to 25% of the Hospital patients are Holocaust survivors.
CONFERENCE ON HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS
Prof. Jacob Menczel, Director of the Osteoporosis Institute at Herzog, chaired a special conference on Holocaust Survivors, which was attended by over 600 health care professionals. The conference examined mental illness and medical problems among Holocaust survivors and how the health care system in Israel specifically assists them. Other topics discussed were dilemmas and lessons learned from psychological research of Holocaust survivors; improving their quality of life and issues in the training of professionals treating Holocaust survivors.
PROF. URIEL HERESCO-LEVY
The Hospital’s Director of the Psychiatry Division, Prof. Uriel Heresco-Levy, was recently appointed Academic Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Medicine. He has worked at Herzog Hospital for 15 years, and has been the Director of the Department of Women’s Psychiatry for many of those years.
Prof. Heresco-Levy has developed an innovative method using naturally occurring amino acids, for the treatment of schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. He has published extensively on a wide range of subjects in professional journals including the American Journal of Psychiatry, the Archives of General Psychiatry, Biological Psychiatry, and Schizophrenia Research. Prof. Heresco-Levy has been awarded numerous competitive research grants including four grants from the NARSAD Mental Health Research Association and two grants from the STANLEY Foundation.
He is a fellow of the Collegium Internationale Neuropsychopharmacologicum (CINP). His appointment is currently the only Hebrew University academic track professorship in psychiatry awarded to someone not working at Hadassah Hospital. Academic appointments in the past were Prof. Bernard Lerer and Prof. Haim Belmaker, both of whom were recognized for their accomplishments when they also worked for Herzog Hospital. Congratulations to Prof. Heresco-Levy on his appointment.
HOUSE OF DAVID DONATION
One would not think that adult diapers would be a major issue or expense for a hospital. However, at Herzog, annual costs for adult diapers are approximately $100,000. This is not an expense that is paid for by health insurance or by the patients.it comes directly out of the Hospital’s budget. As one would imagine, it is also not the typical item that you raise funds for. The American organization, House of David, which specializes in obtaining donations such as toys for children, food for the hungry and many other kinds of needs worldwide, succeeded in getting a full container of adult diapers donated. Curt Landry, the President of the ministry, was able to arrange shipment from the U.S, at no cost to the Hospital. A tractor trailer delivered these much needed diapers directly to Herzog, saving the Hospital a significant annual expense.
HERZOG IN THE NEW YORK TIMES
The New York Times featured the genetic research of Prof. Richard Ebstein, Director of Herzog’s Research Department, on its front page. Prof Ebstein and his team recently discovered a gene that can influence the level of sexual desire, and a second gene for altruism.
SALAMONOVITZ FAMILY DONATION
Herman and Margaret Salamonovitz were long time friends of Herzog Hospital. When Mr. Salamonovitz passed away over ten years ago, a major donation was made to the Hospital from his estate. Mrs. Salamonovitz passed away last year. She bequeathed an additional significant donation to Herzog. May their memories be for a blessing.
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MAYOR TEDDY KOLLEK
The Board of Directors and staff of Herzog Hospital mourn, together with all of Israel, the passing of Teddy Kollek, the historic Mayor of Jerusalem and long-time friend of Herzog Hospital. Our condolences to his wife Tamar, a life member of Hug Yovel, and the entire family.
HERZOG STAFF LEAD THE WAY:
Prof. Richard Ebstein, Director of the Department of Research, and his team of researchers published an article in Molecular Psychiatry magazine on “Polymorphisms in the Dopamine D4 Receptor Gene (DRD4) Contribute to Individual Difference in Human Sexual Behavior: Desire, Arousal and Sexual Function”
Prof. Richard Ebstein published another article in a different issue of “Molecular Psychiatry”. on the “Association between the Arginine Vasopressin 1a Receptor (AVPR1a) Gene and Autoism in a Family-Based Study: Mediation by Socialization Skills”.
Prof. Richard Ebstein and Prof. Uriel Heresco-Levy, Director of the Division of Psychiatry, have published two articles in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The first is on “Association of the Serotonin Transporter Gene with Smoking Behavior” and the second is on “Association between the Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 Gene (IGF2) and Scores on the Eating Attitudes Test in Nonclinical Subjects: A Family Based Study”.
Prof. Heresco-Levy also received the NARSAD Mental Health Research Association Independent Investigator Award for 2006. This is the fourth time Prof. Heresco-Levy received this award, making him one of the very few researchers outside the US to receive it.
Prof. Heresco-Levy, together with Prof. Gabi Shefler, Herzog’s Head psychologist, published an article in “Harefuah” , on “Expressed Emotions towards Patients Suffering from Schizophrenia among Staff of Psychiatric Departments and Halfway Houses: A Comparison and Clinical Significance.
Dr. Pesach Lichtenberg, Director of Men’s Psychiatry Department, published an article in the “Gerontologist” entitled “Pilot Study of Behavioral Treatment in Dementia Care Units”. Another article, “Reading Ability Mediates the Relationship between Education and Executive Function Tasks, was published in the Journal of International Neuropsychology.
Dr. Esther-Lee Marcus, Director of Acute Geriatric Care, published an article on “Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Older Adults” in the journal of clinical Infectious Diseases. Dr. Marcus gave a poster presentation at the American Geriatric Society conference on her joint research with Prof. Jacob Menczel, Director of Osteoporosis Institute, on “Osteoporosis of Holocaust Survivors”. At this conference, Dr. Marcus also presented a case study of a patient with a rare complication in his respiratory tract and with vocal cord damage.
Prof. Jacob Menczel and Dr. Esther-Lee Marcus participated in the 5th International Workshop of the international Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions in Porto Heli, Greece. Dr. Marcus presented the research conducted together with Dr. Uriel Heresco-Levy and his team on “Higher Prevalence of Decreased Bone Mass in Schizophrenic Patients”.
Prof. Menczel and Dr. Efraim Jaul, Director of the Complex Nursing Department and Pressure Sores Unit, published the article “Patterns of Drug Use in Elderly in Nursing Departments” in the Israeli's Gerontology.
Dr. Yakir Kaufman, Herzog’s Director of Neurological Services, presented at the 5th Miami International conference on Torah and Science on
“Psychoneuroimmunology, Spirituality, Religiosity and Health”.
Dr. Shai Shoham, Director of the Histopathology Unit, received a grant from The National Institute for Psychobiology in Israel. This grant will enable Dr. Shoam to continue his research into the Dietary Lithium Supplement for Delaying Brain Aging Processes. Dr. Shoam was awarded a grant by the Ministries of Science of Israel and Germany to support a joint research project with Dr. Matthias Maschke from the Klinik fur Neurologic und Neurophysiologie at Krankenhaus der Bramherzigen Bruder in Trier Germany. The research is examining functional recovery from acute damage to the cerebellum caused by stroke.
Dr. Efraim Jaul spoke at a conference on pressure ulcers, in Varanacy, India. his article on “Integrative Approach in Pressure Ulcer Treatment of the Elderly” was published in the “Indian Journal of Wound Management”. In addition, Dr. Jaul’s article on “Tube Feeding in the Demented Elderly wih Severe Disabilities” was published in The Israel Medical Association Journal
Dr. Jaul is giving a course on gerontology this year, at the School of Occupational Therepy of the Hebrew University and Hadassah Hospital Medical School. The course focuses on epidemilogy, pressure sores, nutrition, dementia and cognitive problems of the elderly.
Prof. Baruch Shapira, Director of the Schonbaum Treatment Resistant Depression Department, published the article: "Brief Report on Phenytoin as an Augmentation for SSRI Failures: A Small Controlled Study” in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
AMERICAN FRIENDS LEADERSHIP VISIT HERZOG
Tony Berkowitz, President of American Friends of Herzog Hospital, and Amir Sternhell, past President visited Herzog recently, and received a report on the Hospital’s new developments.
NEW YORK HELPS ISRAELI CHILDREN COPE
Numerous events were held in New York to raise funds to enable Herzog’s Psychotrauma Center to provide services to help Israelis cope with the war in Lebanon. Dr. Naomi Baum, spoke at the home of one of her former students, Alana Siegel, in New York.
Dr. Baum also spoke to the leadership of American Friends of Meretz. This was organized by Lilly Rivlin, National President of Meretz and co-chair of the Rivlin Family - Herzog Hospital Joint Project.
The Great Neck Synagogue and the Young Israel of Great Neck both held appeals that raised substantial funds for the Trauma Center.
RIVERDALE JEWISH CENTER
The Riverdale Jewish Center in New York conducted a special campaign to raise money to support the work of the Trauma Center. Dr. Danny Brom, the Director of the Center, spoke at a special Shabbot to benefit the Trauma Center.
NEW YORK FRIAR’S CLUB ROAST
In the tradition of the Friar’s Club roasts, Lenny Roth, a member of the American Friends of Herzog New Leadership group was honored in a comedy event held at the renowned Friar’s Club in New York. The Club was packed with many of Lenny’s friends and other supporters of the Hospital in order to raise money to support the work of the Psychotrauma Center. Dr. Danny Brom, the Director of the Center, updated the group on the Center’s activities to help treat the trauma experienced by the Israelis who were removed from their homes in the Gaza Strip during the disengagement. Friar comedian Steve Solomon added the light touch with his roast of the guest of honor.
MONMOUTH COUNTY JEWISH FEDERATION SUPPORT
The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County, New Jersey has made a grant to support the children’s services programs of the Psychotrauma Center. Dr. Ruth Pat Horenczyk spoke to the medical professionals of the Maimonides Society of the Federation, discussing the Center’s projects in Sderot, including working with toddlers and their parents who are suffering from symptoms of PTSD. Her work has found that post trauma in a young child impacts the brain size because the volume of the brain shrinks in response to trauma. The program has developed methods of treating these young children and their parents.
IRANIAN JEWISH FOUNDATION SUPPORT
The Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York has supported the work of the Hospital’s Psychotrauma Center for many years. They made a special additional generous donation to help the Center provide services to the residents of northern Israel affected by the war in Lebanon.
NEW DIRECTOR FOR AMERICAN FRIENDS
The American Friends of Herzog Hospital has hired Ms. Shoshana Weisser as its new Executive Director. She brings extensive experience combined with innovation to the position, which will catapult the NY operations of Herzog to new levels.
DR. PAT HORENCZYK SPEAKS AT ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Dr. Ruth Pat Horenczyk spoke on “Post Traumatic distress and Resilience: The Israeli Experience” at the International Center for Terror Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES
In a special partnership, the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, the endowment arm of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation, has made a generous allocation to support the Hospital’s Ethiopian Geriatric Nurses Aides Training Program.
FLORIDA
The annual event at Maria Finkle’s home in Palm Beach was once again a successful evening, hosting Dr. Naomi Baum, Director of the Psychotrauma Center’s National School Resilience Project. Dr. Baum spoke about the increasing and extensive services the Center is providing to schools throughout Israel to help children cope with trauma.
Amy & Bruce Gelb hosted a well attended event at their home in Bal Harbour. Dr. Danny Brom, Director of the Psychotrauma Center, spoke about the Center’s activities to help children after the war in Lebanon. Dr. Yitzhak Ben Gad, Israel Consul-General for Florida, also attended and gave a political overview of the situation in Israel, highlighting the importance of providing trauma treatment for the residents of the north.
TORONTO GALA CONCERTS
The 2006 Gala Concert honored Dr. Sherryn Levinoff Roth, Director of the Department of Medicine and of the Heart Function Clinic at Scarborough Hospital in Toronto. The kick-off dinner was held at the home of Renee and Eli Rubinstein. This year’s concert was chaired by Beverly Minuk, a long time supporter of Herzog and close friend of Dr. Roth. The funds raised will be used to establish the Cardiology Rehabilitation Care and Research Unit at Herzog Hospital. Shortly after the concert, Dr. Roth was in Israel, where she conducted Grand Rounds at the Hospital.
This concert follows the successful 2005 concert, which honored Dr. Michael Gordon, Vice President of Medical Services, at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. A medical fellowship in Dr. Gordon’s name was established, which will allow doctors from Herzog to come to Baycrest for special training in geriatric care. Dr. Gordon has become a regular visitor to Herzog, presenting Grand Rounds each time.
SECOND ANNUAL EVENT TO HELP CHILDREN WITH TOURETTE’S
The Second Annual Herzog Hospital Poker Night was held to raise money to help treat children suffering from Tourette’s Syndrome at Herzog’s Etgar Clinic in Jerusalem. The evening was once again spearheaded by Tova Train, and was a huge success.
HERZOG HOSPITAL DOCTORS SPEAK IN TORONTO
Dr. Danny Brom, co-editor of the new book “The Trauma of Terrorism” was a featured author at the Toronto Annual Jewish Book Fair. The audience left with a heightened sense of the effects of terror, no matter where one resides. Later that week, Dr. Brom was the guest lecturer at the Torah in Motion ‘Renewing Our Spirit’ conference, speaking on “Dealing With Trauma: Israelis and the Aftermath of Terror”. Dr. Yakir Kaufman, the Director of Neurological Services at Herzog, visited Baycrest Hospital to conduct Behavior Neurology Rounds. He also spoke at Beit Chabad and at a Torah in Motion conference. Dr. Kaufman had previously completed a two - year fellowship at Baycrest.
ENGLAND
An increasing number of people are learning about the Hospital through the work of the British Friends of Herzog Hospital. Under Chairman Tony Gold, and assisted by vice presidents Stuart and Stephanie Ronson and David Halpern, new outreach efforts are being made. They have all recently visited the Hospital to see the latest developments. Through their activities, funds have been raised to support Herzog’s Community Mental Health Center, the Psychotrauma Center and the Children’s Respiratory Unit.
THE NEW NORTH LONDON SYNAGOGUE
For the past several years, the North London synagogue has made special appeals to support various projects at Herzog Hospital. They have raised funds to help the Hospital hire Russian-speaking therapists, treat children at the ETGAR ADHD Clinic, and help children affected by the trauma of terrorism. In the past year, Prof. David Greenberg, Director of the Hospital's Community Mental Health Center, and Stephen Schwartz, International Director of Resource Development have spoken at the synagogue. Members of the synagogue always ask to visit Herzog when they come to Israel.
JEWISH CHILD’S DAY SUPPORT
Representatives of Jewish Child’s Day from London, long time supporters of the Children’s Mental Health Center visited the Hospital’s ETGAR ADHD Clinic. Over the years the organization has made donations to purchase didactic tools, toys, furniture and to help renovate the Clinic.
THE ONE TO ONE IMPACT
The One to One Children’s Fund in the UK has supported the work of Herzog’s Trauma Center for several years. They have provided support to help the Center treat children suffering from the trauma of terror attacks and the CHERISH project where the Center’s trauma specialists work with their colleagues in the Palestinian Authority to develop programs in the schools. One to One has now donated video conferencing equipment to the Trauma Center to facilitate communications for this and other projects worldwide.
GERMANY
German Friends of Herzog Hospital in Frankfurt have organized several events that have raised significant funds to support key programs at the Hospital. Under the guidance of founder, Mrs. Elisabeth Oswalt, and current president, Dr. Ingrid Grafin Zu Solms-Wildenfels, the group is developing new opportunities for the Hospital. They have been key supporters of the Ethiopian Geriatric Nurses’ Aides Training Program and the Trauma Center. German Friends have now developed their own website, which can be logged on to at
www.herzog-hospital.de.
NEW MEXICIAN FRIENDS OF HERZOG GROUP FORMED
During the past year, and for the first time since it was founded, Herzog Hospital has begun developing a network of supporters in Latin America. In a short period of time, the Hospital has received some very good publicity and several fund raising events have been held. In Mexico City, an officially registered Mexican Friends of Herzog Hospital has been organized, in accordance with the country’s tax authorities. Mexican Friends have already sponsored several activities in the community.
Seminars for health care professionals have been presented by the Hospital’s Trauma Center staff. Dr. Danny Brom has given talks for the Faculty of Psychology's students at the American University and a collaboration has been established with the Mexican Post Trauma Association.
There is also a steady stream of Spanish being heard in the halls at Herzog Hospital, as more and more people from Ciudad de Mexico are visiting the Hospital on their trips to Israel.
Members of Herzog Hospital have also been welcomed on initial visits to Costa Rica, Santiago de Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Support groups are now being developed in these places as well.
TRAUMA CENTER'S STAFF IN MEXICO
Dr. Danny Brom and Dr. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk recently lectured at numerous venues throughout Mexico City. These included being the featured speakers at specially organized professional seminars on trauma at the Universidad Hebraica de Mexico, at the largest Mexican University (UNAM) and at the Anahuac University. They led additional seminars at the Mexican Criminological Institute, at a meeting of educational psychologist of the Jewish schools and at a meeting of the Mexican Yad Vashem branch. These presentations are leading to future collaborations with various institutions in Mexico. These professional programs culminated with a special evening to benefit the Trauma Center, organized by Esther Abadi and Luna Nissan.
WEALTH CREATION FOUNDATION
If you are between the ages of 75 to 85 you could be in a position to provide a substantial contribution to Herzog. The re-insurance market is becoming a major new tool to raise new donations for charitable organizations. By participating in this life insurance program the individual would receive a tax deduction for your donation, and would also reduce your estate taxes. In addition, Herzog Hospital would immediately benefit from the significant donation that would be generated. And you, in your lifetime, can have a project at Herzog, named in your honor, acknowledging your donation.
There is no risk or liability to the insured/donor and no out of pocket expenses. The only issue you have is the loss of capacity, which is the ability to purchase more insurance in the future. But if you were not even considering obtaining insurance at this stage of your or your loved one’s life, the best part is that it costs the donor nothing while he can assist Herzog Hospital in its mission and services.
For more information Contact the Public Relations Israel office.
HUG YOVEL AND HUG TZAMERET
Monthly fund raising programs are conducted in Israel by the Ladies Auxiliary groups Hug Yovel and Hug Tzameret. Both groups have over the years raised critically needed funds to support Hospital projects and to purchase medical equipment. The Hug Tzameret annual luncheon this year raised funds to make a special purchase of equipment in memory of Sydelle Braver, long-time supporter and the manager of the Herzog Gift Shop. Hug Yovel’s annual Silver Platter Luncheon, named after the late Lily Silver, who for over 10 years hosted the event, was one of the most successful ever. Both groups are always looking for more people in Israel to get involved with their activities. Contact the Hospital office for more details about how you can help.
HERITAGE AFFINITY SERVICES - HAS
New HAS credit card makes money for Herzog. By adding another credit card to your collection, you will be contributing to the hospital. For each person who obtains and uses this new credit card, Herzog receives a donation based on the amount charged on the credit card. In addition, the HAS company has been actively publicizing this new service, highlighting Herzog as one of its approved charities. Card holders also earn points which can be used towards free trips to Israel.
ISRAEL CENTER OF THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHOTRAUMA
PSYCHOTRAUMA CENTER MOVES TO EXPANDED OFFICES
The Services of the Trauma Center have expanded dramatically over the past several years. The Center has recently moved to larger and more modern offices to accommodate all those turning to the Center for help and training. The new office is located at 55 Shmaryahu Levin Street in the Kiryat Yovel neighborhood in Jerusalem. The new facilities will enable more therapists to provide counseling and expanding educational programs for the public and professionals.
GIL KLEIMAN, FORMER POLICE SPOKESMAN COMMENDS TRAUMA CENTER
Gil Kleiman, former spokesperson for the Israel Police force, who was at the scene of innumerable terror attacks, and suffered his own trauma, lauds the work of the Latner Psychotrauma Center. Recognizing the need that the Center meets, he regularly volunteers at the Center. He especially promotes and urges first responders to seek and receive help. Dr. Danny Brom, Director of the Center says approximately 9% of Israeli adults suffer from PTSD, and that the numbers are undoubtedly higher among first responders, who arrive first at the scene of a terrorist attack. The Center has created special counseling programs for firefighters, police, the bomb squad and emergency medical services personnel.
HELPING THE COMMUNITY COPE
In the wake of the war, The Trauma Center organized a series of six lectures on "Healing in the Aftermath of the War". These lectures were open to the general public and were free of charge so as many people as possible would be able to benefit from the tools given by the Center’s specialists. Dr. Naomi Baum spoke about relaxation techniques to a room filled to capacity. Other lectures focused on how the Israeli society handles bereavement and loss, and how parents can alleviate stress their children are experiencing.
EUROPEAN UNION PROJECT
The European Union has made a major allocation to support the CHERISH project of the Hospital’s Trauma Center. This collaborative project with the Joint Distribution Committee and Al Quds University will develop different programs, such as the assessment of bereaved families and the use of youth groups in supporting children in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The Trauma Center was awarded this grant based on their extensive experience and success in delivering trauma resiliency programs.
COLLABORATION WITH UNICEF
Dr. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk, Director of Child and Adolescent Clinical Services at the Trauma Center, was interviewed by UNICEF, highlighting the suffering of children in Israel. The article was featured on the UNICEF website: http://www.unicef.org/emerg/index_35121.html
VAN LEER FOUNDATION EXPANDS SUPPORT
The Bernard Van Leer Foundation has agreed to expand its initial support of the Trauma Center’s programs in the Israeli Arab schools. Arab sector schools have been traditionally underserved and understaffed, and this is most prominent in the development of mental health services for children in schools. The new grant will be used to boost the care for children in pre-schools throughout the Arab sector in Israel.
METIV SERVICES CONTINUE
Receiving numerous phone calls and walk-ins weekly, the number of people who turn to METIV, the Center’s Walk-In Crisis Center, has increased dramatically due to the war in Lebanon. One such case is T, a 29-year-old mother of two. A katyusha rocket landed about 40 meters from her house. She took care of her children and when they were quiet again, she felt that she “fell apart". She suffered from panic attacks and needed short term counseling to get her back on her feet.
BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING
The Trauma Center is developing a new therapy for helping parents who have lost a child. This collaborative program with Dr. Claude Chemtob of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York was funded by the Bearman Foundation in Baltimore. The new therapy focuses on the couple as a source of mutual support and teaches the couple to re-establish their ability to support each other. In addition, this brief therapy teaches how to help your partner not get overwhelmed continuously when dealing with the loss.
HELPING SURVIVORS OF HURRICANE KATRINA
The Trauma Center staff are providing trauma counseling programs to health care professionals in Biloxi, Mississippi, to help residents better cope with the trauma caused by Hurricane Katrina. This program is part of the Israel Trauma Coalition's efforts funded by United Jewish Communities (UJC) to reach out to traumatized populations and share the expertise that they have developed in Israel. Herzog’s trauma team is providing workshops for resilience building to the entire school system, and will also be training local mental health professionals to provide effective trauma counseling.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
The prestigious American Journal of Psychiatry has published an article on the fascinating and troubling research conducted by Dr. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk and the staff of the Trauma Center. The article, entitled “Risk Taking Behaviors Among Israeli Adolescents Exposed to Recurrent Terrorism: Provoking Danger Under Continuous Threat? “, is an acknowledgement by one of the most prominent psychiatric organizations in the world on the impact that terrorism in Israel has had on Israeli teenagers. The article can be accessed at: ajp.psychiatryonline.org
PROGRAM FOR US LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Dr. Danny Brom spoke to a visiting group of members of Law Enforcement Agencies on trauma preparedness. High ranking officers from across the US filled the room, asking questions and addressing problems that they are facing in their individual communities and nationwide.
BOMB SQUAD TRAUMA COUNSELING
Defusing bombs in the movies always has us sitting at the edge of our seats. In real life, there are no second takes. The Trauma Center is now providing resiliency workshops to staff of the bomb squads in Israel at the request from the Israel Police Department.
EXPORTING OUR EXPERTISE
Dr. Naomi Baum was the guest of the Catalonian College of Psychologists, a professional organization with over 8,000 members, in Barcelona, Spain. She lectured to a group of politicians, journalists and psychologists. Dr. Baum also led a full day workshop with participants from throughout Spain, entitled “Building Resilience”.
Dr. Ruth Pat Horenczyk was asked by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs to speak to groups of professionals on the West Coast of the US about “Trauma and Resilience - the Israeli experience”; and “Helping the Helpers: Secondary traumatization and compassion fatigue”. She began in Corvallis Oregon, where she spoke to psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and first responders at the Good Samaritan Hospital. In Seattle, she addressed the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. Ironically, Dr. Pat-Horenczyk and the work of the Trauma Center was featured in the Seattle Jewish Times a week before the shootings in the building of the Jewish Federation of Seattle.
In San Francisco, Dr. Pat-Horenczyk presented training programs “Helping the Helpers” to the San Francisco and Oakland Fire Departments, the Jewish Family Services and the Chinese Mental Health Association and Grand Rounds at San Francisco General Hospital.
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Herzog Hospital Newsletter - September 2005
HERZOG DELEGATION MEETS WITH PRESIDENT KATSAV
President of Israel Moshe Katsav welcomed a group of Herzog Hospital leaders at the President’s office. The President was presented with a copy of the new book, “The Trauma of Terrorism” co-edited by Herzog Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma Director Dr. Danny Brom and Dr. Yael Danieli, Director of the Group {roject for Holocaust Survivors and their Children in New York, and Joe Sills, recently retired trom the Secretariat of the United Nations. The activities of Herzog Hospital were also discussed at length with the President, including the possibility of hospital psychologists providing counseling to the residents of Gush Katif, based on the extensive experience of the Psychotrauma Center staff.
HERZOG HOSPITAL – DEJA VU AT YAMIT AND NOW GUSH KATIF
Between 1982-1985, Herzog psychiatrist & later Hospital Director General, Prof. Haim Dasberg and Chief Psychologist, Prof. Gaby Shefler conducted a 3 year research project on the effects of the evacuation on the residents of one of the communities in the Sinai Desert after the Camp David Peace Agreement with Egypt. The study indicated denial, depression and traumatic stress among the residents. The results were published in a special issue of the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science. Copies of the article are available through the Public Relations office in Israel.
Today, the disengagement plan to relocate the residents of Gush Katif in the Gaza Strip has triggered the same kinds of symptoms found in the Herzog study. And now, the staff of the Hospital’s Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma has been asked to provide counseling to the residents and their children, before and after the evacuation. Our staff are benefiting from the results of the previous Herzog research 20 years earlier.
STEVEN SPIELBERG FOUNDATION SUPPORT
The Righteous Persons Foundation of Steven Spielberg has recently made significant donations to support the work of the Trauma Center to help us treat the victims of terror. These special allocations were made in recognition of the comprehensive work being conducted throughout Israel by Trauma Center staff.
THE UPGRADING CONTINUES
The construction and renovations continue. Over the past several years, Herzog has totally renovated eight entire departments on all six floors. The Department of Women's Psychiatry on the fourth floor has been the most recent to be completely renovated. In addition, visitors to the Hospital will soon see a new entrance and lobby area. These areas are being expanded to accommodate the increases in the number of patients and visitors to the Hospital. The new lobby will also feature a new gift shop and cafeteria area. Dedication opportunities are available in all of the renovated departments.
RESPIRATORY UNIT EXPANDS TO 45 BEDS
Herzog’s Chronic Respiratory Support Department has been expanded and renovated. The Department, which started out 5 years ago with only 4 beds, has grown into a 33-bed department. In addition, another 12 patients, comprising an "overflow" unit, are housed on another floor. The Chronic Respiratory Support Department is one of only four long term respiratory units in the country and has developed a reputation for expertise in the field. The Department maintains a closed-circuit TV system, which enables the staff to visually monitor all the patients at any given time from the central nurses’ station. The expansion and renovation have been made possible through the generosity of Burt and Anne Greenblatt from Teaneck NJ. We have now established a special unit for children requiring long term respiratory care, which has already admitted its first two patients. Funds to initiate the children’s unit have been provided by a number of donors including the Kennedy Leigh charitable Trust of England.
PSYCHOGERIATRIC EMERGENCY CENTER OPENS
In 2005, ground will be broken for the construction of the new 60 bed Psychogeriatrics Wing. This major multi-million dollar project will be the first new construction for hospital patients in the past 15 years. This will also serve as the location for the new Emergency Center for Psychogeriatrics and Behavioral Disorders. The Center provides comprehensive multi-disciplinary services to those suffering from Alzheimer's and Parkinson' Diseases and other dementias. The need for this unique center is so pressing that space has already been made in the current hospital building, and the first emergency patients have already been treated. Herzog Hospital is uniquely positioned in Israel as it is the only hospital that combines neurology and mental health treatment in caring for these kinds of patients. The newly opened Emergency Center is the only one of its kind in Israel. It will provide 24/7 care for individuals suffering from behavioral disturbances caused by their illness. Until now, people who suffered acute behavioral problems could only go to a regular hospital emergency ward, which is not geared to treat a patient suffering from Alzheimer's related behavioral problems. The Center is supervised by Dr. Yakir Kaufman, Director of Neurological Services, who has just returned to Israel after completing a two year fellowship at Baycrest Hospital in Toronto.
HERZOG’S RENOVATED HALFWAY HOUSE REOPENS
Herzog has developed an outstanding reputation for its Halfway House for psychiatric patients who no longer require hospitalization. This residence has now been totally renovated to accommodate 22 residents who are now capable of being productive members of society. Most of the residents work and return to the Halfway House each evening for meals and activities. The renovations were supported by a special grant from Bituach Leumi, Israel’s National Insurance Institute.
LILY SILVER EDUCATION CENTER
Herzog Hospital is a major teaching hospital for training residents and medical students from the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School in geriatric care and mental health treatment. To provide the most modern facility, Herzog’s auditorium has been totally renovated and established as the Lily Silver Education Center. This multi-purpose Center offers the most modern multi-media and computerized projection facilities which further enhance the many professional seminars and educational lectures conducted there. Mrs. Silver, originally from Toronto, was a resident of Jerusalem for over 30 years, and a long-time generous supporter of Herzog Hospital. Lily, as she was fondly known by so many, had agreed to be the guest of honor at the 2004 annual Toronto Friends’ concert. An extraordinary outpouring of support from the Toronto community raised the funds to renovate and establish this important teaching center. Sadly, a month before the concert, Lily passed away after battling cancer for many years. Her children insisted that the event still be held as a way to honor such a valiant lady who helped so many important causes in Israel and Toronto. A special dedication ceremony of the Center was recently held in the presence of Lily’s four children, many grandchildren and friends, and former Ministers of the Government of Israel, Prof. Moshe Arens and Dr. Benny Begin. The ceremony was webcast on the internet where it can still be viewed via the hospital website: www.herzoghospital.org.
SNOEZLEN ROOM
A multi-sensory Snoezlen Room has been constructed to benefit patients in the Departments of Physical Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy and Psychogeriatrics. These specially designed treatment room provides an environment consisting of a variety of carefully selected elements, such as the fabrics and textures lining the walls and ceiling; a calming white, a bubble pillar provide visual stimulation and a sense of vibration, soft music and scented air all contribute to enhancing recovery. All these elements stimulate the senses of vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell. The room is unique in that it provides optimal conditions for the creation of personal relationship with a patient, and improves his sensory balance. Operation of the equipment can be controlled by quantity, type and level of stimulation. Patients in the departments of Psychiatry and Treatment-Resistant Depression, as well as children coping with ADHD can also be helped by being treated in the Snoezlen room. The Snoezlen room has been made possible by a donation from Lloyd Cohen from Winnipeg Canada, in memory of his parents, Berdie & Irvin Cohen.
PROTECTING HERZOG HOSPITAL
A new security fence has been constructed around the Hospital’s compound. The fence surrounds the buildings and grounds and enhances the safety and security of the patients, visitors and staff, as well as the Hospital’s facilities. The fence, constructed in response to increasing security concerns, has placed an unexpected burden on the Hospital’s resources.
ETHIOPIAN TRAINING COURSE GRADUATES
Twenty-five young women from Ethiopia and Bnei Menashe, “re-discovered” Jews from India and Burma, have completed a special six month training course at Herzog to become geriatric nurses’ aides. The course included theoretical and practical studies, carried out under the guidance and supervision of Herzog’s professional nursing staff in the various departments. This project is recognized by the Ministry of Social and Labor Affairs, with graduates receiving a special Ministry certificate. Herzog added eleven of the graduates to its staff, and helped the other women find employment in hospitals or nursing homes in Israel. A major accomplishment of this course is that it also provides women with immediate employment and a profession that is much in demand in Israel. This, in turn, helps the women to better integrate into Israeli society. This project is funded with the support of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and the Harry Kramer Memorial Fund. This effective course has just graduated its second class of students.
LEON HASSON GARDEN DEDICATED
The Hasson family from Brussels have been long time generous donors of the Hospital. Their most recent donation enabled the Hospital to totally re-landscape and dramatically beautify the garden across the entire front of the Hospital. Mrs. Elise Hasson visited Herzog for the formal dedication of the Leon Hasson z”l Garden, in memory of her husband. The new garden has immensely upgraded the entire look of the entrance to the Hospital.
Previously, Mrs. Renee Hasson, wife of the late Asher Hasson, had endowed the Liora Hasson z”l Hospital Library in memory of her granddaughter. The library serves as a resource center used regularly by hospital staff to check the latest forms of treatment of illness, and as an overall research tool.
JUDGE YEHUDA COHEN-PRESIDENT OF HERZOG HOSPITAL
Retired Israel Supreme Court Judge, the Hon. Yehuda Cohen has served on the Board of Directors of Herzog Hospital for over 40 years, many of them as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and later as President. He follows his father, Menachem Raphael Cohen, who served as Chairman of the Hospital Board for many years. Judge Cohen was born in Safed. He graduated from the American University of Beirut in 1934 and completed his legal studies in Jerusalem. Judge Cohen started his judiciary career at the Magistrates Court, and over the year has climbed up the ranks to the District Court, from which, at the age of 66, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Israel. He also led the special Israel Government Commission which investigated the conditions of children who immigrated to Israel from Yemen in the early 1950s. After the death of his father, the judge was asked by Rabbanit Sarah Herzog take on the position of Chairman. Judge Cohen and his wife Shula have been honored many times at Hospital events.
HISTORIC VIDEOCONFERENCE
For the first time in Herzog Hospital’s history, Hospital doctors participated in a live international tele-health video conference. The teleconference featured a case presentation of a patient suffering from depression, memory problems and Parkinson’s Disease. Herzog stall shared their thoughts live with colleagues from Baycrest Hospital in Toronto, the University of Toronto, University of Windsor, the Rotary committee for International Development and Mount Sinai Hospital in Canda; the Edith Wolfson Medical Center of Holon, Israel; al Quds University, West Bank; the King Abdullah University Hospital, the Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; the Medical Research Council or South Africa in Pretoria and the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, South Africa; and the Word Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. This encounter was part of the Peter A. Silverman Global eHealth Program and the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program (CISEPO), which strives to increase academic exchanges between medical professionals throughout the world, with a special focus on the Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian medical communities. This was the first of a series of similar international live videoconferences to he held at the Lily Silver Education Center at Herzog.
SPIRITUALITY AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
In a research study conducted by Dr. Yakir Kaufman, the Director of Neurological Services, it was shown that spirituality and religious practice may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Diease. He presented the results at the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology held in Miami Beach. This groundbreaking study was extensively covered in the media: Fox News, ABC News, WebMD and over 50 other medical websites featured the study.
NASH FOUNDATION SUPPORT
The Nash Family Foundation has made a major seed grant to help launch the Hospital’s Emergency Center for Psychogeriatrics and Emergency Disorders. This first of its kind in Israel service will provide 24 hour emergency service to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. The foundation has also supported overseas study programs for Herzog doctors Dr. Esther-Lee Marcus and Dr. Efraim Jaul.
BARON DE HIRSCH SUPPORT
The Baron De Hirsch Foundation has recently made a significant grant to support the Hospital’s geriatric residency program. This allocation enables the Hospital to support the residency in the field of geriatrics of two Russian immigrant doctors at Herzog.
SYMPOSIUM ON “QUALITY OF LIFE IN AGING”
Over 100 Health Care professionals participated in a one-day symposium on “Quality of Life in Aging”, which marked the publication of the new book by Dr. Ephraim Jaul, the Director of the Complex Nursing Department. The book, entitled in Hebrew “Hazaken Hasiudi” (the Geriatric Nursing Patient), is aimed at doctors, nurses, social workers and others in the geriatric field, as well as at family members and care givers of the elderly, and discusses the importance of the combination and relationship of the formal care of the medical profession and the informal care of the family, caregiver, and friends which make the most difference to the quality of life of the elderly. The book raises many medical and ethical issues such as: How does one determine who is a geriatric nursing patient? What are the phases of decline in functioning? What are the consequences of living in the community or being hospitalized for long-term care? How to enable the geriatric patient keep his dignity, and more. Dr. Jaul’s book received a positive reviw in the Jerusalem Post.
Herzog Staff Lead the Way
The research on the use of placebos conducted by Dr. Pesach Lichtenberg, Director of the Department of Men’s Psychiatry, and Dr. Uriel Nitzan, was recently published in the prestigious British Medical Journal and made the news in the Israeli and international media, with the New York Times, Reuters, the Jerusalem Post and other Israeli newspapers and TV shows reporting on the findings. Appearing on one of the leading TV news programs in Israel, Dr. Lichtenberg explained that his research showed that 60% of doctors surveyed occasionally use placebos, and that they found that in most cases, the use of placebos is beneficial to the patient. The authors conclude that the time has come for the profession to acknowledge the use of placebos, so that an open debate on their effectiveness and the ethics of their application can take place.
Dr. Esther-Lee Marcus, Director of the Department of Acute Geriatric Care, lectured at the 15th Biennial meeting of the Israel Gerontological Society on her joint research with Prof. Jacob Menczel, Director of the Osteoporosis Unit: “Osteoporosis among Holocaust Survivors”. Dr. Marcus gave another lecture at this conference on “Urodynamic Evaluation: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in the Elderly”. Their research was published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging.
Zvia Levi, Head of Nursing Services, also presented on “The Effects of the Reform in the Health System on the Geriatric Nursing: Knowledge, Perceptions, Views and Experiences of Geriatric Nurses with the Consequences of the Reform in the Health System”.
Dr. Uriel Heresco-Levy, Director of the Department of Women’s Psychiatry, published several articles recently. “Pilot-controlled trial of d-cycloserine for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder” was published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. This pilot study is the first to assess the efficacy of a NMDA receptor modulator for PTSD treatment and its results warrant further, larger-scale investigation. He has also had articles on his research in schizophrenia published in the journals Schizophrenia Research and Biological Psychiatry. “Glutamatergic neurotransmission modulation and the mechanisms of antipsychotic atypicality” was published in Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry.
Dr. Efraim Jaul, the Director of Herzog’s Complex Nursing Department and the Hospital’s Schachter Center for the Treatment of Pressure Sores, attended the Meeting of the 2nd World Union of Wound Healing Societies in Paris. His participation at the conference was a key element in setting up clinical trials in his department to examine a new kind of bandage to treat diabetic leg ulcers. He recently had an article published in the Israel Medical Journal “Harefua”, on “Longevity in Gerontology and in Judaism Sources: Quantity or Quality Years?” He concludes that in gerontology, as in Judaism sources, longevity is accompanied by quality of life, which is expressed by functioning in daily activities, as well as intellectual abilities. He has also published an article in the Journal of Wound Care, on “Setting up a Dedicated Pressure Ulcer Unit in a Geriatric Ward”. This study is a one-year follow-up of patients in the Pressure Sore Unit at Herzog Hospital, the only one of its kind in Israel. His article on “Planning Care for Non-Oncologic Terminal Illness in Advanced Age” was featured in the Israel Medical Association Journal.
Prof. Richard Ebstein, Director of the Research Department, published an article in the American Journal of Psychiatry, on “Relation of shyness in grade school children to the genotype for the long form of the serotonin transporter promoter region polymorphism”. Prof. Ebstein has also been awarded a grant by the Philip Morris company to study the genetics of nicotine addiction. In addition, He has been selected as a NARSAD Distinguished Investigator. He joins Dr. Uri Heresco Levy who has received this award, which includes research grants, in the past several years.
And in an inter-departmental study, Drs. Heresco Levy, Pesach Lichtenberg and Prof Richard Ebstein’s research on “D-serine efficacy as add-on pharmacotherapy to risperidone and olanzapine for treatment-refractory schizophrenia” was published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.
Dr. Ruth Pat Horenczyk, Director of Child Services at the Trauma Center is presenting an abstract on “the Impact of Exposure to Ongoing Violent Conditions among Israeli and Palestinian Youth” at the 9th European Conference on Traumatic Stress in Stockholm, Sweden.
Dr. Shai Shoham, Director of the Histopathology Unit, has been awarded a major grant from the Israel Ministry of Science and Technology, to serve as the principal investigator on an international research project aiming at understanding and improving functional recovery from acute damage to the cerebellum in stroke victims.
Prof. Baruch Shapira, Director of the Schonbaum Department of treatment resistant depression, published in Comprehensive Psychiatry his research on “Social Adjustment and Self Esteem in Remitted Patients with Unipolar Major Depression (UP) and Bipolar Affective Disorder (BP)”. The findings indicate that UP patients, particularly women, experience substantial difficulties in social adjustment.
THE TEMMY AND ALBERT LATNER ISRAEL CENTER FOR THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHOTRAUMA
The Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma continues to expand and initiate new programs to benefit those who have been affected by traumatic events, and to train professionals to help the growing number of people who require services both in Israel and internationally. Here is an overview of some of the Center’s recent activities:
THE SECOND BI-NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TREATNG TRAUMATIZED CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
The Trauma Center organized the recently held Second Bi-National Conference on Treating Traumatized Children and Adolescents. The conference was organized by Dr. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk, Director of Child Services of the Center in collaboration with the UJA-Federation of New York, the NY Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services, the NY Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Israel Trauma Coalition. Twelve trauma professionals from the US and 35 from Israel presented lectures at the conference, which was attended by over 400 people from Israel and abroad.
Among the various topics researchers spoke about: the effects of terror on pre-school children; research on children who visited emergency-rooms after terror attacks; treatment of traumatic loss in children; and risk taking behavior among adolescents who had direct or indirect connection to terror attacks. The extensive media coverage of the conference included: radio and TV interviews in Israel, articles in local daily newspapers and interviews on the following websites: CNS News, BBC, JTA, Walla, Voice of Peace and The Media Line. The conference was posted on the Internet at: www.traumaweb.org/child/. A book of abstracts was published and the conference was videotaped and audio-taped.
NATIONAL SCHOOL INTERVENTION PROJECT (NSIP)
Through various programs, the NSIP teaches educational personnel, from kindergartens through high schools, to cope with the current security situation in Israel. It teaches emotional resilience and coping techniques to teachers, principals and guidance counselors both to support them and to teach them how to help the children in their care to deal with living with terrorism on a daily basis. This project is being implemented throughout Israel with the active assistance of the Ministry of Education. The project is led by Dr. Naomi Baum, Director of the Center’s National School Resilience Project.
NATIONAL SCHOOL SCREENING PROJECT
The staff of the Center has developed questionnaires for children from pre-school through high school to identify those suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and other symptoms of emotional distress. The students identified are referred to guidance counselors or private treatment, as necessary. In the framework of the project, and in conjunction with the Center’s National School Intervention Project, guidance counselors are trained to provide therapeutic support groups in the school. The project is led by Dr. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk and has already screened over 6,000 children.
DR. DANNY BROM VOTED THE MOST INFLUENTIAL TRAUMA THERAPIST IN ISRAEL
Ma'ariv, one of Israel's leading daily newspapers, has recognized Dr. Danny Brom, Director of the Psychotrauma Center and Chairman of the Israel Trauma Coalition as the top trauma specialist in Israel. He was also recognized as one of the top ten psychologists in the country.
TRAINING IN TRAUMA TREATMENT
As part of the efforts to create a National Trauma Treatment Network in Israel, the Trauma Center continues to provide extensive training throughout Israel. Some examples of recent courses are: a year-long course in trauma treatment for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and social workers; mental health professionals from Haifa completed a 40-hour course in trauma treatment; 25 senior social workers from the National Insurance Institute (NII) Rehabilitation Department in Jerusalem completed a 52-hour course in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; staff members from the Shaare Zedek pediatric ward (including special education teachers, art and music therapists and psychologists) completed a 15-hour supervision program; Hadassah Hospital social workers who participated in the most recent year-long course in trauma treatment, recommended that additional social workers participate in this year’s course.
HOW DO YOU KNOW ITS TRAUMA
In one of the adolescent groups, we were introduced to the story of A, a 14-year old who said he had never been involved in any terror event whatsoever. Yet he suffered from symptoms of post-traumatic distress, and was referred to, and joined, an adolescent group that had been established in his school. During group discussions, it emerged that A’s mother had been driving her car in close proximity to a bus that exploded, his father dined regularly in a restaurant in which a suicide bombing had occurred shortly before his arrival, A’s cousin’s friend was killed in a terrorist act in a pedestrian mall, a shell fell in his schoolyard, his house is situated on the street used by ambulances with sirens wailing, on their way to the nearly hospital, and over a period of several months, his neighborhood was under sniper fire. “Nothing happened to me”, he said, “only almost, very close. I know that next time, it will be me”. This is the narrative behind the statistics of those that were not exposed directly or personally to terrorist acts.
SPECIAL AWARD
The Trauma Center and the Trauma Coalition have received a special award for their treatment of terror victims from the NY Regional Association of Grantmakers. Talia Levanon, Director of the Israel Trauma Coalition, and Dr. Danny Brom, the Director of the Trauma Center, accepted the award at a special ceremony held at Gracie Mansion in NY.
VAN LEER FOUNDATION
The Bernard Van Leer Foundation has provided a grant to introduce the National School Intervention Project for Pre-School Children into the schools in East Jerusalem.
FORGING INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS
Dr. Danny Brom spoke at the Jewish Leadership Forum of the United Jewish Communities in Aspen, Colorado. He also addressed a seminar for first responders of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Chapter about “The Impact of Resiliency in the Face of Disaster and Terrorism”. He presented a day long training seminar to the crisis response team at Nexcare Collaborative, which serves the entire County of Los Angeles. During his time in Los Angeles, he was interviewed by several TV and radio programs. He led a team of Trauma Center staff who were invited to make presentations at the annual conference of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies held in New Orleans.
Dr. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk participated at the International Assembly on the Psychology of Fear and Terrorism that was held in Austin, Texas. She also led a workshop on screening and school-based interventions at FEGS - the Federation Employment and Guidance Service in NY. Tamar Galai-Gat, the Director of the Trauma Center’s Walk-In Crisis Center –Metiv, presented a paper at the convening of the Annual Collaborative Crisis Conference in Chicago.
BEERSHEVA, BESLAN, SDEROT, SRI LANKA
Teams from the Trauma Center and Trauma Coalition have been active in responding to terror attacks in Israel and Russia and providing psychological assistance after the tsunami. Following the double bus bombing in Beersheva in which 16 people were killed and over 100 injured, members of the Coalition were mobilized to provide assistance to the many immigrants from Russia and Ethiopia who were affected. They also coordinated ongoing psychological efforts that were required days and weeks after the attacks with the municipality of Beersheva, and met with social workers at Beersheva's Soroka Hospital.
Over the past year, the town of Sderot has been the target of increasingly frequent rocket attacks from the neighboring Gaza Strip. Attacks that were sporadic in the past are now occurring almost daily and their accuracy is improving. Increasing numbers of residents are approaching health fund clinics with varying degrees of anxiety responses to the situation. When approached to assist the community in Sderot, the Coalition, working with heads of various municipal agencies and the school system, jointly developed a comprehensive psychotrauma intervention program to empower the municipality to provide an integrated, self-sufficient system of response to the ongoing bombardment.
Following contacts with the Israel Foreign Ministry, Russian speaking trauma specialists were sent to Beslan, Russia after the terror attack on the school, to train community mental health professionals including social workers, hospital staff and first responders, including police, firefighters and ambulance personnel, clergy and teachers. A trauma team was also dispatched to the areas stricken by the tsunami catastrophe.
TRAUMA GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
"Terror and Trauma, A Guide to Information and Services" has been produced by the Trauma Center in Hebrew and English. Copies are available through the Trauma Center or through Herzog Hospital Friends’ offices.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE UJA FEDERATION OF NY: INITIATOR AND FUNDER
For over four years now, UJA Federation of NY has been the catalytic force in highlighting the need to provide psychological counseling to the victims of terror in Israel. The Federation was the early supporter of Herzog’s Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma. They have provided major funding for every one of the Trauma Center initiatives. They have helped fund programs to establish a national trauma network; educational programs in the schools; The Israel Trauma Coalition; a trauma resource guide for the public in Hebrew, Russian and English; a trauma website; and most recently, the METIV-Walk-In Crisis Center. They have recently increased funding for new innovative projects of the Trauma Center and Trauma Coalition.
THE ISRAEL TRAUMA COALITION
The Israel Trauma Coalition is a national network of organizations that seeks to ensure effective trauma-related services for all Israeli citizens. Initiated and funded by the UJA Federation of New York, the Coalition, originally established with seven partner trauma agencies in Israel, has now grown to 42 agencies. Chaired by Dr. Danny Brom, the Director of Herzog’s Trauma Center, among the main objectives of the coalition is to pool resources, exchange ideas and coordinate services between all of the agencies, without duplication of effort. The Coalition has already become a significant factor within Israel as government agencies now know they can approach one source for services, and that the appropriate trauma agency best suited to provide the requested services will then be enlisted. The agencies of the Coalition have developed an outstanding cooperative working relationship.
THE METIV WALK-IN CRISIS CENTER
METIV, the first Walk-In Crisis Center in Israel, was opened at the initiative of the UJA-Federation of New York, and operates with the Federation's substantial support. Additional support has also been received from Sinai Temple and the Magbit Foundation in Los Angeles, as well as the Israel Ministry of Health. METIV, open from 8am-9pm daily, offers immediate short-term crisis intervention, free of charge, to those seeking help. Tamar Galai-Gat, Director of METIV, reported that in its first 2 years, 1,085 people received help at METIV, and hundreds more have phoned in. People come to METIV for reasons ranging from witnessing a terrorist attack to life cycle problems such as problematic relationships with children, marital crises, sexual abuse, acute financial difficulties and job loss. Since METIV’s opening, Jerusalem has experienced numerous terrorist attacks, and many of those affected have received help at METIV for counseling. The terrorist attacks in Sinai also triggered a surge of people turning to Metiv for help. Staff have witnessed the growing need for community interventions, and are receiving many requests from groups such as security guards and fire fighters, Magen David Adom volunteers, Zaka volunteers and other first responders.
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
TORONTO
2004 has been a stellar year for the Canadian Friends with a variety of public awareness and fundraising events.
CONCERT 2004
This year’s Gala Concert & Silent Auction was really the end of a year long labor of love to honor Lily Silver z”l, who passed away a month before the concert. The Toronto community responded overwhelmingly to the year long campaign to raise funds to totally renovate and upgrade the Hospital’s auditorium and rename it the Lily Silver Education Center. The most successful advanced gifts event ever was hosted by the RBC Financial Group at their magnificent 40th floor dining room. The evening was attended by many of the Silvers’ business associates, friends and family. The evening included a special video message previously recorded by Lily. In November, the year culminated with a wonderful concert attended by over 600 guests, including the Chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Directors, Shamai Keinan, and Director General Dr. Yehezkel Caine The A-Cappella group, Cadence, had everyone rocking in their seats and their encore of Lily’s favorite song was truly a memorable experience. This follows the successful 2003 Annual Concert which honored former Premier of Ontario, Bob Rae, and his wife, Arlene Perly Rae.
BEIT HAMINYAN RAISES FUNDS FOR VICTIMS OF TERROR
Once again, the generous membership of the Beit Haminyan Congregation in Toronto have raised funds for the victims of terror that cannot afford treatment. The evening, also celebrating the synagogue’s 25th anniversary, started on a very serious note with the very eloquent words of Rebecca Kirsh, a member of the synagogue and a victim of a terrorist attack in the Afula bus station a few years back.
COMEDY NIGHT
Toronto Friends of Herzog Hospital sponsored its special young leadership Annual Comedy Night. The event really was a laughing matter, with great comedians, a greater attendance and more funds raised than ever before.
PROF. DAVID GREENBERG IN TORONTO
Prof. David Greenberg, the Director of the Hospital’s Community Mental Health Center, and author of the book “Sanity and Sanctity” gave whirlwind speaking engagements throughout Toronto, speaking at the Toronto Jewish Book Fair; Jewish Children and Family Services of the Toronto Jewish Federation; Mt. Sinai Hospital; the Vad Harabbanim of Toronto; and a special presentation for the general public.
ADAD & TOURETTE’S DISCUSSED
New for Canadian Friends was a public awareness evening for educators, parents and grandparents of children with Tourette’s Syndrome and ADD/ADHD. Speakers included a psychologist, a psychiatrist and a young man who lives with Tourette’s Syndrome. Based on the large turnout for the event, additional public service health education programs are planned for the community.
ETGAR ADHD CLINIC EVENT
A special fun evening was held at Ocean’s 11, attended by over 150 people, most of them new to the work of Herzog. Funds were raised to support the specialized work of the Etgar ADHD Clinic at the Community Mental Health Center.
TORONTO FEDERATION INCREASES SUPPORT
Again this year, The Jewish Federation of Toronto has undertaken to support an even greater number of essential projects of the Hospital’s Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma. The focus of support has been a continuation of their support of the pre-school project and other programs to help children deal with the psychological traumas created by the four and one half years of terrorism.
TULIPS DONATED
The Christenen voor Israel organization from Holland visited the Hospital and donated a large quantity of tulip bulbs to beautify the grounds. In addition, patients from various departments in the Hospital will be planting the bulbs as part of their therapy.
NEW YORK
The American Friends initiated a special Financial Planners series to attract new young professionals in the legal, accounting and financial services professions. This invitation only series was an exceptional success with many new people attending and learning about new developments in the field of planned giving. A unique element was that almost all participants attended the full six session breakfast series which also created numerous business networking opportunities. Most of the participants have become active leaders on behalf of Herzog.
PAST PRESIDENTS HONORED
A special dinner dance was held at New York’s Alger Mansion to honor the two past co-presidents of the American Friends of Herzog Hospital, Dr. Joy Zagoren and Amir Sternhell. Shamai Keinan, Chairman of the Hospital Board in Israel, and Dr. Yehezkel Caine, Director General of the Hospital, attended to personally express their gratitude to the former leaders.
HERZOG AT LINCOLN CENTER
The American Friends group participated in a special fund raising concert at Lincoln Center to raise funds for the victims of the Beslan tragedy. The work of the Hospital’s commitment to Russian immigrants was featured in the playbill and other material distributed to the sold out crowd.
PROF. RICHARD EBSTEIN DISCUSSES NEW RESEARCH
Professor Richard Ebstein, Director of Research and Head of the Joel and Maria Finkle Clinical Laboratory at Herzog, discussed his latest advances in behavioral genetics, at the home of Maria Finkle. Professor Ebstein gave an update on the Joel and Zachary Finkle International Genetic Research Project and gave a fascinating presentation on “What We Can Realistically Expect from Aging and Extending the Human Lifespan.” Funds were raised to purchase an advanced DNA gene analyzer.
LEADERSHIP MISSION TO ISRAEL
The climax of the Financial Planners Seminar in 2004 was an organized Mission to Israel. This first ever Herzog mission provided the cadre of new leadership with an intensive orientation of Herzog projects. The group combined three days of meetings with doctors and researchers with several days of touring. A special reception for the group was hosted at the home of Hospital board member Bernice Beare Rosenberg. Coincidentally, one of the Mission participants, David Monk, is a grand nephew of Aaron Beare, for whom the new Hospital Research Laboratory is named. The Mission was so successful and served as such a positive catalyst for newly involved leaders, that additional seminars and missions are already being planned to attract new people.
NEW LEADERSHIP BOATING
Shortly after returning from the mission to Israel, one of the participants, Lyon Roth, initiated a fund raising boat ride around Manhattan to celebrate his 40th birthday, which was attended by 165 people. The event helped raise funds for the purchase of a large quantity of urgently needed wheelchairs. This event was not only a fund raising success, but the majority of those who attended were new to the work of Herzog.
DR. NAOMI BAUM SPEAKS IN MONSEY
Another Israel mission participant, David Chesir, and his wife, Beth, hosted a very special program in Monsey, New York, where Dr. Naomi Baum, the Director of the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma’s National School Intervention Project, spoke about her groundbreaking work in the Israeli school system. The Chesirs and Dr. Baum gave the American Friends of Herzog Hospital a wonderful opportunity for opening up doors in new community that had never heard of Herzog Hospital before.
TRAUMA CENTER DISCUSSION AT NY’S 92ND STREET “Y”
Tamar Galai-Gat, Director of Herzog’s Walk-In-Crisis Center METIV, discussed treating those affected by terrorist attacks. The evening was attended by over 100 people.
DR. DANNY BROM UPDATES NY ON TRAUMA PROGRAMS
Dr. Danny Brom was hosted by Rabbi Herschel Billet and the Young Israel of Woodmere to discuss the extensive programs that Herzog’s Psychotrauma Center provides to help Israelis cope with the past five years of terror. Lois Tilton, a member of the American Friends New Leadership Committee graciously arranged for him to speak at the synagogue. This was followed by talks at the Sons of Israel Synagogue in Woodmere, at the invitation of Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg. A special Saturday evening program was organized with the help of Rabbi Kenneth Hain of Beth Shalom in Lawrence. Learning of Dr. Brom’s successful talks he was also invited by Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt to speak on a Shabbat on a later trip to the U.S. at the Riverdale Jewish Center.
CHICAGO
Dr. Esther-Lee Marcus, Head of the Hospital’s Acute Geriatric Care Department, recently spoke at the home of Board members Dr. Elliott and Debby Gershon. Dr. Marcus was in Chicago participating in a special fellowship program in respiratory care at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Marcus discussed the effects and benefits of nutrition and exercise for healthy aging. Dr. Marcus received the funding to support her fellowship from the Nash Foundation of N.Y.
FLORIDA
Dr. Shai Shoham, Director of the Histopathology Unit, spoke at the home of Maria Finkle in Palm Beach, Florida. He discussed his latest research on mice and rat brains, which indicates a link between diet and intake of highly oxidated foods and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Dr. Shoham indicated that his research shows that consumption of berries, red wine and green tea are helpful. This was the best attended event ever at Mrs. Finkle’s home. Funds raised were used to purchase new equipment to enable Dr. Shoham to continue with his advances in his research.
ENGLAND
The British Friends of Herzog continue to raise the profile of the work of Herzog in London. Under Chairman Tony Gold, new outreach efforts are being made. Funds raised in the UK and by the New North London Synagogue support Herzog’s Community Mental Health and Psychotrauma Centers. The Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma has offered the British government assistance in coping with the London bombings.
GERMANY
The German Friends of Herzog Hospital have organized several events that have raised significant funds to support key programs at the Hospital. Under the guidance of founder, Mrs. Elisabeth Oswalt, and current president, Dr. Ingrid Grafin Zu Solms-Wildenfels, they continue to develop new opportunities for the Hospital. They have been key supporters of the Ethiopian geriatric nurses’ aides training program. Recent events featured a film on terrorism in Israel, accompanied by a presentation by Dr. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk from the Trauma Center. Attending the group’s Annual Meeting were Dr. Yehezkel Caine, Herzog Director General, and Prof. Jacob Menczel, former Director General and current Director of the Hospital’s Osteoporosis Unit. This was followed by a successful fund raising concert.
ONE TO ONE BIKE-A-THON TIMES TWO
For the second consecutive year, the British organization One-to-One organized a Bike-a-Thon around the Kinneret to raise funds for the Israel Center for Treatment of Psychotrauma, to support a special program that works with teachers helping kindergarten age children cope with the trauma caused by terrorism. This year, there was an even larger turnout of British cyclists who flew to Israel especially for the Bike-a-Thon. Plans are already made for the 3rd annual event to be held in March 2006. Anyone interested in supporting the cyclists or participating should contact the Public Relations office in Israel.
INTERNATIONAL GUEST LECTURERES
Herzog often hosts internationally recognized lecturers. Two of the recent doctors who recently addressed Herzog staff were Prof. Elliot Gershon and Dr. Michael Gordon. Prof. Gershon, one of the founding members of the field of psychogenetics, discussed the genetics of mental diseases. In 1971 Prof. Gershon established the Research Department at Herzog Hospital, which has since grown into one of the stellar behavioral genetics research centers in Israel. He has served as the Director of the Department of Genetic Psychiatry at the US National Institute of Mental Health. Since 1998 Prof. Gershon also headed the Department of Psychiatry at Chicago University. Prof. Gershon has been a member of the board of the American Friends of Herzog Hospital for many years.
Dr. Michael Gordon, Vice President of Medical Services at the renowned Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care in Toronto, discussed advances and sensitivities in effective geriatric health care. As a result of his visit, a series of videoconference discussions on health care issues have been initiated between Herzog and Baycrest medical staff.
THE TRAUMA OF TERRORISM
Dr. Danny Brom, the Director of Herzog Hospital’s Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, Dr. Yael Danieli, Director of the Group Project for Holocaust Survivors and their Children in NY, and Jo Sills, from the United Nations Secretariat, have co-edited a new a book “The Trauma of Terrorism-Sharing Knowledge and Shared Care-An International Handbook”. This landmark comprehensive post 9/11 book features articles by most of the leading trauma experts in the field. This book is quickly becoming a key reference for understanding and treating psychological trauma caused by terrorism. In her book review published in The Jerusalem Post, health and science reporter Judy Siegel-Itzkovich wrote “it should be read by anyone with a keen interest in the emotional impact of terror attacks anywhere in the world.” A series of events around the world were organized as part of the launch of the book.
The Authors made a presentation to over 400 ambassadors and dignitaries at a special meeting held at the United Nations in New York, under the aegis of the UN Directorate on Counter-terrorism. This was followed by a special reception at the Australian Mission to the UN.
Senators Hillary Clinton (NY) and Mike DeWine (OH), and Congressmen Patrick Kennedy (RI) and Jim Ramstad (MN) sponsored a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.
In Ottawa Canada, Minister for Public Health Dr. Carolyn Bennett hosted a book launch event at the Canadian Parliament, with the participation of other Ministers and the Israel Ambassador to Canada, Alan Baker. The authors also participated in a live broadcast over Radio Free Europe, discussing the subjects covered in the book and fielding questions called in from all over the world. And in Jerusalem, this was capped off with a special presentation of the book by the authors and a Herzog leadership delegation to the President of Israel, Mr. Moshe Katsav, at the Presidential Residence. The Board of Directors of Herzog Hospital then hosted a special reception at Herzog’s Lily Silver Education Center honoring all contributors to the book, almost half of them from Israel.
There will be many other events planned in association with this new seminal book. If you are interested in organizing a program in your community for the authors to discuss their book, please contact the Hospital’s Public Relations Dept in Israel. The book can be purchased through Herzog Hospital’s office in Israel, Herzog’s Friends’ offices in New York and Toronto, as well as through www.herzoghospital.org , amazon.com or your local bookstore. Our congratulations to the authors on this exceptional publication.
ART AT HERZOG
A special ceremony was held at the Women’s Psychiatry Department to celebrate the end of a year long art course. The course, which was given by volunteer art students, introduced the department’s patients to various fields of art, such as painting and sculpture.
DIALYSIS UNIT EXPANDS
As is becoming the routine at Herzog to meet increased demand for services, the Dialysis Unit is being renovated and expanded to 12 positions. The unit treats hospitalized patients as well as providing dialysis treatment on an out patient basis.
CONFERENCE ON ALZHEIMER’S
A one day conference, so-sponsored by the Municipality of Jerusalem and Herzog Hospital, discussed some of the newer ways to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of senile dementia. The conference was held at the Hospital’s Lily silver Education Center and attended by over 100 health care professionals. Dr. Yakir Kaufman and other Hospital staff presented some of the wholistic ways in which patients are treated at Herzog.
HUG TZAMERET GIFT SHOP
The Hospital’s Gift Shop, staffed for over 20 years by volunteers from Hug Tzameret, will temporarily be closing its doors due to renovations in the Hospital’s Lobby. This tradition of wonderful smiling volunteers maintaining all aspects of the management of the shop is an integral part of the Herzog. All profits made from the store are routinely donated to the hospital to purchase much needed medical equipment and supplies. The hospital owes a large debt of gratitude to the hundreds of people who over the years volunteered their time at the store.
HUG YOVEL
Monthly fund raising programs are conducted by Hug Yovel to support Hospital projects and purchase medical equipment. An annual highlight is the Silver Platter Luncheon traditionally held at the beautiful home of Lily Silver. Sadly, this was the last year it will be held at her home, as the luncheon was held two months after Mrs. Silver passed away. Her children were gracious enough to allow the luncheon, attracting over 75 people, held at her home one last time. Amongst the many projects that the Hug supports are the many beautiful gardens located throughout the grounds of the hospital.
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Herzog Hospital Newsletter - March 2004
Herzog Hospital Celebrates 108th Year Anniversary
On the fifth day of Hannukah in 1895, a group of women- Ezrath Nashim- opened a two room center in the Old City of Jerusalem to care for the mentally ill. Today, it has grown into a 340 bed comprehensive geriatric and mental health hospital – the Herzog Hospital.
Today, it is the home of:
* The third largest hospital in Jerusalem
* One of the best physical and occupational rehabilitation facilities after hip surgery and stroke
* A multi-disciplinary center in psychogeriatrics treating Alzheimer’s Disease and other senile dementias
* The first Community Mental Health Outreach Center in Israel, which has served as a model for similar centers to be established throughout the country
* The Temmy and Albert Latner Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma treating victims of terror and serving as the major center in Israel to train the next generation of trauma treatment therapists
* The first Walk-in Crisis Center in Israel, “Metiv”
* The Schonbaum National Center for Treatment Resistant Depression
* A leading center for internationally recognized treatment of schizophrenia in Israel
* One of only three chronic respiratory facilities in Israel
* The major center for the Treatment of Pressure Sores
* A key research center in behavioral genetics
METIV-Psychological Emergency Room
A terror bomb goes off - the horror, the panic, the injured being rushed to the hospital, the deaths. These are scenes that have become so common for all Israelis. Yet, there is one scene that most people don’t see - the psychological impact on the lives of the individuals and their families. Herzog’s Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma paved the way for the treatment of the psychological effects of trauma long before the start of the current intifada. Dr. Danny Brom, Director of the Trauma Center, recognized that a major additional service was still lacking in the response of the health care system. Whenever there was a terror attack, people in shock but not physically injured would rush to hospital emergency wards, where there would be no organized psychological support services available. This fact, combined with routine life cycle problems like unemployment, financial difficulties caused by the economic downturn, and domestic stress, highlighted that there was no address in Israel where someone could just ‘walk-in’ to discuss the psychological problems that they were having.
With initial major funding from UJA-Federation of New York, Sinai Temple and the Magbit Foundation in Los Angeles, Herzog’s Trauma Center was able to open METIV- the first Walk-in Crisis Center in Israel. Open daily from 8:00AM to 10PM, people can walk in off the street, without an appointment and free of charge, and be seen by staff therapists with the active assistance of a squad of volunteers.
60 Bed Psychogeriatric Wing Planned
Psychogeriatric care is one of Herzog’s key areas of specialization. This department treats patients suffering from ailments such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, as well as psychiatric patients who have aged and developed geriatric problems. The current 60 bed Department of Psychogeriatrics is in a terribly rundown condition, and due to space limitations, is divided on two separate floors. Instead of completely renovating the department, it has been determined that it will be more cost-efficient to construct an entirely new wing. The architect’s plans have already been drafted, with construction slated to begin in 2004. This will be the first major construction project at the Hospital in many years. As construction will be totally financed through donations, a major worldwide fund raising campaign has been launched to make the project a reality. The Claims Conference has already made a major commitment to support this project, due to the significant percentage of Holocaust survivors which the Hospital treats. Donation inquiries are welcome, as there are many dedication opportunities, including the naming of the entire wing.
Newly Renovated Respiratory Department
The growth of the Long Term Respiratory Facility to meet increasing demand has created the necessity for us to renovate and expand the ward. What started as a 4 bed unit 3 years ago, at the request the Israel Ministry of Health, has now grown to 34 beds. The Ministry recognizes the Hospital’s specialization and successes in this field of health care, and routinely refers additional patients to us. Most patients are conscious, sitting up in bed, watching TV, but require respirators to help them breathe. Two weddings and a bris have already been held at patient’s bedsides. With specially trained doctors and nurses, patients are worked with to try to help them breathe for periods of time on their own. Several patients have actually been weaned from total reliance on the machines. In two cases, patients actually recovered sufficiently to be released and sent home. Special closed circuit television has also been installed, so that all patients can be seen visually as well as through the central medical monitoring system at the department’s central nurses’ station. This way, staff can immediately respond to any patient emergency. This is the only Respiratory Unit in Israel to offer such constant and close monitoring of patients.
Osteoporosis Testing and Diagnosis for Holocaust Survivors
Prof. Jacob Menczel, Director of the Osteoporosis Department and former Director General at Herzog, recently completed two important studies in the field of osteoporosis: the frequency of osteoporosis among patients suffering from depression, and the frequency of osteoporosis among Holocaust survivors. He recently reported on this research at the European Geriatric Society Congress in Florence, Italy. This research, which included 86 survivors (53 women and 33 men), found that osteoporosis is more common among Holocaust survivors than in the general population, and more common among people who spent the war in Poland, Romania, Austria and Germany than those who were in Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. In connection with this research, Prof. Menczel is providing free bone-density examinations to Holocaust survivors, to diagnose their level of osteoporosis. This public service is part of a special research project that proactively identifies and treats Holocaust survivors suffering from osteoporosis.
Israel’s Health Minister Attends Special Ddedication
Hon. Danny Naveh, the Israel Minister of Health, spoke at the memorial service held at Herzog, commemorating the third anniversary of the passing of Mr. Shlomo Halevi z”l, former Chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Directors. At the memorial ceremony, attended by an overflowing crowd, the Hospital’s completely renovated conference room was dedicated in memory of Shlomo Halevi.
Ethiopian Training Course
Herzog has initiated a special six month course to train young Ethiopian women to become geriatric nurse’s aides. The program has also been expanded to include Bnei Menashe women, re-discovered Jews from India and Burma. The program is designed for young women after they have finished their army duty, or Sherut Leumi national community service. The program will combine classroom studies with ‘hands on’ work in various hospital departments. During their studies they will receive a monthly living stipend. After completion of the program, six women will be offered special paid apprenticeships at the Hospital. This new project is officially recognized by Israel’s Ministry of Social and Labor Affairs, which will provide a special certificate to those who complete the course. This important project, which will provide the participants with a profession, employment, integration into Israeli society, and dignity, is being funded totally by donations.
Rebbetzin Betty Solomon z”l
President Herzog Hosptal/Ezrath Nashim 1987-1990
Rebbetzin Betty Solomon, longtime active leader for Herzog Hospital, recently passed away at the age of 89. Betty was founder and President Emeritus of the Hospital’s ladies auxiliary group Chug Tzameret and initiated the Hospital’s Gift Shop staffed exclusively by volunteers. She also served as President of the Herzog Hospital Board from 1987-1990. She was active for over 20 years in raising funds for the Hospital. This included funds to totally renovate the Hospital’s synagogue, which was named in memory of her daughter, Gloria Solomon Parelman, as well as towards purchasing significant, urgently needed medical equipment. Betty was one of the key figures in Herzog Hospital’s history, enabling us to grow into the exceptional facility we are today. In her memory the family has established the Betty Mallin Solomon Scholarship for Research into Mental Health at the Hospital. Donations can be made directly to the Hospital to support this special Fund.
Zvia Levi – the new Head of Nursing Services
Zvia Levi has been appointed as the new Head Nurse at Herzog. She started working at Herzog in 1984 as a nursing student, and has climbed in the ranks since then. Zvia was previously Head Nurse in the Internal Geriatric Department, and the Physical Rehabilitation Department. She also served as Hospital Coordinator of quality control and risk management and Director of In-Service Education Programs. Zvia has a Masters’ degree in Nursing, and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Organizational Climate in Geriatrics and Its Effects on Nurses’ Content. Zvia aims at adjusting the nursing profession to the ever-changing Health Care System, as well as promoting and increasing the field’s expertise under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, Nursing Administration and Herzog Hospital’s administration.
Herzog Staff Lead the Way
Dr. Esther-Lee Marcus, Director of the Department of Acute Geriatric Medicine, presented a paper on her research “Urodynamic Evaluation: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in the Elderly”, together with Dr. Abarbanel from the Rabin Medical Center at the European Gerontology Association Conference held in Barcelona, Spain. She also presented a poster on her joint research with Prof. Menczel, Director of the Osteoporosis Unit and former Director General of Herzog Hospital, on “Osteoporosis among Holocaust Survivors”.
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Dr. Marcus was also invited to the European Society of Paraenteral and Enteral Nutrition Conference held in Cannes, France, where she lectured on “Ethical Issues Relating to Food Refusal and Tube Feeding in the Elderly”.
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Dr. Esther-Lee Marcus and Dr. Agnes Vash, from the Department of Women’s Psychiatry were appointed to the Editorial Board of the journal “Annals of Pharmacotherapy”.
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Prof. Richard Ebstein, Director of the Research Department, has recently been appointed full Professor in the Psychology Department at the Hebrew University, as well as head of the Scheinfeld Center for Human Behavioral Genetics, whose purpose is to promote genetic research and teaching in the social sciences. He was recently invited to Budapest to lecture to the Hungarian Academy of Medicine on "Molecular Genetic Studies of Personality: Relevance for Health". Prof. Ebstein also visited Moscow to continue his joint research with a Russian scientist on the genetics of schizophrenia. As part of this project over 150 DNA samples of schizophrenic patients were sent from Russia to Herzog Hospital, and were genotyped at the Hospital’s laboratory.
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Dr. Shai Shoham, Director of the Research Unit of Histopathology, authored two chapters in the newly published book “Nutrition for Longevity”. The chapters, “Calorie Intake During Life and Its Impact on Longevity”, and “Nutrition and Preservation of Brain Function in Aging”, join a third chapter by Dr. Esther-Lee Marcus “Anorexia and Refusal to Eat in the Elderly: Pathophysiology, Management and Ethical Issues”.
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Dr. Uriel Heresco-Levy, Director of the Department of Women’s Psychiatry leads a team that works in collaboration with the Nathan Kline Institute in New York. The study, “Treatment of Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Impairments”, has received a grant from the US. Goverenment’s National Institute of Mental Health.
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Dr. Efraim Jaul, Director of the Department of Complex Nursing, has published “The Medical Guidebook for the Senior Traveler”. The Guidebook includes useful tips such as how to prepare for a trip, how to deal with acute medical problems and how to take care of chronic diseases when traveling. The main purpose of this guidebook is to encourage seniors to travel and have fun. Copies are available through the Hospital’s Public Relations office.
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Prof Gabi Shefler, Chief Psychologist of Herzog Hospital, has published another book in Hebrew, entitled “Ethical Issues for Professionals in Counseling and Psychotherapy”. This is the first book written in Hebrew for Israeli professionals which discusses ethical dilemmas in the various fields of mental health. Prof. Shefler serves as the Chairman of the Ethics Commission of the Psychologists Association in Israel.
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Dr. Danny Brom, Director of Herzog’s Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, and staff colleagues, Dr. Ruth Pat-Horencyk, Dr. Naomi Baum and Tali Levanon made major presentations on their groundbreaking work, providing trauma treatment programs in Israel’s school system and for the general public, at the annual International Society of Traumatic Stress conference held in Chicago.
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Dr. Marina Ermilov, a staff psychiatrist from the Department of Women’s Psychiatry, was awarded the ‘ECNP Poster Award’ for her poster “High Dose Glycine Added to Olanzapine and Risperidone for the Treatment of Schizophrenia”, during the 16th congress of ECNP (European College of Neuropsychopharmacology) held in Prague.
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Mrs. Rachel Bachner, Research Coordinator in the Research Department, under the supervision of Prof. Richard Ebstein, is conducting research on “genetic and personality factors associated with anorexia in athletes and non-athletes”, as part of her PhD in the Psychology Department of the Hebrew University. Mrs. Bachner has been awarded a prestigious three-year scholarship from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Hebrew University, as well as three further awards for academic excellence, from the Israel Association of University Women, the Lafer Center for Women’s Studies and the Levin Center for the Normal and Psychopathological Development of the Child and Adolescent.
THE TEMMY AND ALBERT LATNER ISRAEL CENTER FOR THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHOTRAUMA
Trauma Center Survey Reveals 70% of Israeli Children Impacted by Intifada
The staff of the Center have conducted several very revealing surveys amongst Israeli youth discovering astonishing reactions to the over three years of terror attacks. 70% of those surveyed had an increased subjective fear, hopelessness and horror. 33% were personally impacted by a terror attack, either being at the scene of an attack or knowing someone who was injured or killed in an attack. 22% had an indirect connection with a terror attack, either missing being the area of the attack by a few minutes, or some change of plans that would have had them at the site of an attack at the time of the terrorist attack. Most frightening is that 15% of those surveyed were displaying symptoms of partial or full blown PTSD, requiring professional counseling. Dr. Ruth Pat-Horencyk, Director of the Center’s Child and Adolescent Clinical Services, is directing this ongoing survey.
As a direct and immediate response, the Trauma Center has launched the National School Intervention Project directed by Dr. Naomi Baum. The program is designed to be pro-active in identifying the behavioral problems of children at early stages, such as developing post traumatic symptoms and stress disorders. Once these children with problems are identified, our staff provides counseling, in coordination with parents and school psychologists..
UJA Federation of NY Takes the Lead
For over three years now, UJA Federation of NY has been the catalytic force in highlighting the need to provide psychological counseling to the victims of terror in Israel. They were the early supporters of Herzog’s Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma. They have provided major funding for every one of the Trauma Center initiatives. They have helped fund programs to establish a national trauma network; educational programs in the schools; a coalition of trauma agencies throughout Israel; a trauma resources guide for the public in Hebrew, Russian and English; a trauma website, and most recently, the METIV-Walk-In Crisis Center. Cheryl Fishbein, Chairman of the UJA Caring Commission, which has so generously supported the work of the Trauma Center, work led a delegation at the dedication ceremony of METIV
Trauma Partnership
The Trauma Center, in collaboration with the Joint Distribution Committee, initiated a program to organize a group of Israeli and Palestinian mental health trauma professionals to discuss the psychological impact of the past three and a half years of violence on children and families. The project was designed to create a cooperative framework for counteracting the psychosocial problems that arise as a result of the ongoing violence. The project made significant progress in August 2003 during a workshop on “Best Practices in Community Trauma Services”. At the workshop, which was held in Nicosia, Cyprus, 26 Palestinian and Israeli professionals, four of whom were from Herzog’s Trauma Center, further developed the project concept and put forward concrete ideas for its implementation during the coming three to five years. Dr. Mark van Ommeren, technical officer and focal point for mental health in emergencies for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence of the World Health Organization, and a sponsor of the workshop, provided an international perspective.
Trauma Center in Action
As reported after a recent terror attack in Jerusalem:a typical response from our pyschotrauma staff:
“Last night, Magen David Adom invited Danny and Tamar to their debriefing session, and from 1:00AM to 3:00AM they sat with the team that was on duty last night, and who responded to the attack and attended to the victims. This morning, our Metiv Crisis Center was inundated with calls from volunteers and professionals offering their services. An American student studying at the Pardess Yeshiva, who was in the cafe treated for shock in a hospital and released last night, will be coming in to Metiv today. A lightly injured woman and her daughter, who were both in the attack, walked in as I was writing this. Tamar was interviewed on Channel 10 this morning, and this afternoon the local cable news channel is coming to interview her. While it is too early to speak of patterns, this being the third attack in Jerusalem since Metiv's inauguration, the limited experience Metiv has shows that people start to walk in a day or two after the event. More and more people are coming to Metiv from the attack on the No. 2 bus in the ultra-orthodox Beit Yisrael neighborhood from a few weeks ago….”
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Toronto
Toronto Federation Underwrites Nursery School Program
Studies by the staff of the Trauma Center have indicated that psychological trauma already begins affecting children of nursery school age! Based on the school intervention program the Center is operating throughout Israel, the Center has now developed a specially designed program in nursery schools. This was created to train teachers to identify and help youngsters who are having problems triggered by exposure to terrorist attacks or knowing someone, a close family member or friend, who was impacted by an attack. The Jewish Federation of Toronto has stepped forward to underwrite a pilot project to work with the teachers, parents and children in 50 nursery schools and kindergartens.
Comedy Night
The fifth annual Comedy Night entitled “We All Need Something to Laugh About” was received with a large audience roaring and chuckling. This special young leadership event was developed to get younger people involved with the Toronto Friends group, and each year more new people do get involved supporting the work of Herzog. This year’s event really was a laughing matter with great comedians, a greater attendance and more funds raised than ever before. Everybody is already laughing in anticipation of the 2004 event.
Concert
This year’s Annual Gala Concert and Silent Auction event honored Bob Rae and Arlene Perly Rae. Mr. Rae was former Premier of Ontario and both he and his wife are very active in the Jewish community and supporting Israel. Funds raised from the event went to METIV, the Hospital’s Walk-In Crisis Center, and to provide funds for those who require therapy, but cannot afford it. The audience was privileged to hear from the evening’s Honorary Patron, Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Haim Divon, and Herzog Director General Dr. Yehezkel Caine. The concert performance by the students of The Royal Conservatory of Music and the internationally renowned Amy Sky left the audience calling for encores.
Canadian Journalists Visit
A select group of journalists from Canada representing the print and film media visited Herzog not only to learn about the Hospital’s work in the fields of geriatrics and psychotrauma, but also to highlight the Hospital as a safe haven with Jewish and Arab staff working together to provide exemplary care to Hospital patients.
Beit Haminyan Raises Funds for Victims of Terror
Once again, the generous membership of the Beit Haminyan Congregation in Toronto have raised funds for the victims of terror at the Temmy & Albert Latner Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma. Their evening started on a very serious note with the showing of a film about the terror in Israel which was followed by the very eloquent words of Rebecca Kirsh, a Torontonian, who happened to be in Israel and was injured in a bus bombing in Afula two years ago. It made everyone in the room realize why raising funds for trauma victims is so very important. The synagogue plans to allocate the funds raised at their 30th anniversary celebration in 2004 to further support the work of the Trauma Center and its Walk-In Crisis Center METIV.
England
Under the leadership of new British Friends’ Chairman Tony Gold, a new board has been established, with many members under the age of 45. Several meetings have already been held to increase the activity in the UK. Stephen Schwartz, International Director of Resource Development, presented updates to the members of the New North London Synagogue and the Radlett Synagogue on the work of the Community Mental Health and Psychotrauma Centers. The congregations have been regular supporters of the Hospital’s work, providing funding for victims of terror attacks and for the hiring of Russian speaking therapists.
Etgar ADHD Clinic Opens
Funds raised at a previous concert of the Toronto Friends helped establish
the Mary Blum Devor Outreach Project for Children and Youth in Distress. Seed money from this new project has now been provided to initiate Herzog Hospital’s Etgar ADHD Clinic. Under the directorship of the Head of Child Psychiatry, Dr. Jacques Eisenberg, the new ADHD Clinic is applying its staff expertise to help children dealing with hyperactivity disorders. A special dedication, attended by Mary Blum Devor and Rabbi Joseph Schoenwald of the Rochlin Foundation, a major supporter of this project, was recently held to inaugurate the Clinic’s new offices.
New York
Inspired by a new president Tony Berkowitz, and a new Director of the American Friends, Shari Fleschner-Albert, innovative programs and increased publicity are planned for the N.Y. area. Through an integrated strategy, combining active board participation with new committees, events to create public awareness and creative promotional efforts, including press releases, radio spots and direct mail, the work of Herzog Hospital will be reaching a much broader audience in the greater NY area.
A six month breakfast series of Financial Planning seminars for top business professionals at the N.Y. Harmonie Club was initiated in January 2004. The American Friends first speaking tour of 2004 features Dr. Shai Shoham, a brain research specialist from Herzog Hospital. Dr. Shoham’s speaking engagements include a brunch hosted by New York board member Maria Finkle at her Palm Beach, Florida home; a presentation at the New York Academy of Sciences, organized by former American Friends Co-President, Dr. Joy Zagoren; parlor meetings in Long Island at the home of long time Herzog supporter Dr. Sally Olshin, and in Manhattan at the home of board member Laurie Schwartz. Continuing their relationship with the Hospital, the Iranian American Jewish Federation of N.Y. have once again made a generous contribution to support the Hospital’s work in helping victims of terror.
Florida
At the annual meeting held at the Palm Beach home of Maria Finkle, Dr. David Greenberg, Director of the Hospital’s Community Mental Health Center, discussed the effective work of the Center in counseling those in the ultra orthodox community in coping with various psychological problems These events are increasingly successful each year. Dr. Greenberg’s new book, “Sanity and Sanctity”, relates his unique experiences of 20 years of providing psychological counseling for the ultra orthodox community in Israel.
Los Angels
A gala concert and art show was held at Temple Emanuel in Los Angeles to raise funds for the Hospital’s Trauma Center. A combination of cantors and Israeli singers performed at the series of concerts held over a weekend. Unique art from a group of Israeli artists was exhibited for sale. Special programs were produced for the general public as well as for children. The Trauma Center’s work also received support from the Los Angeles Jewish Federation.
One to One Bike-A-Thon
A Bike-a-thon around the Kinneret was organized by the British organization One-to-One. 25 British cyclists who flew to Israel especially for the Bike-a-thon were joined by over 100 Israeli cyclists. Each British cycler raised at least £1,000 in sponsorships, riding the 60 km course around the Kinneret. Funds raised were donated to the Israel Center for Treatment of Psychotruama to support treatment for children suffering from the effects of terror.
Hug Yovel & Hug Tzameret
These two long time volunteer groups in Israel have traditionally been a reliable source of key funds to purchase equipment and supplies. Hug Yovel and Hug Tzameret have recently raised funds to enable the Hospital to purchase a new commercial oven to prepare over 1000 meals daily, a quantity of pulse oximeters, automated feeding machines and other routine needs of the Hospital. Support is also provided to beautify the hospital, including the planting and maintaining of so many of the Hospital gardens. These gardens are always filled with patients and their families enjoying the beautiful Jerusalem air and scenery. Hug Yovel sponsors monthly events, including its recently successful musical performance at the home of Lily Silver and its annual fund raising dinner. The Hug Tzameret annual luncheon raised funds to support the scholarship fund in Mental Health Research established in memory of the Hug’s founder, Betty Solomon. The Hospital’s very active gift shop is routinely providing much needed funds due to the commitment of its entirely volunteer staff.
The Orthomolecular Psychiatry Clinic
The Orthomolecular Psychiatry Clinic, under the directorship of Dr. Uri Heresco-Levy, specializes in a seminal approach in Israel to treating mental disorders. He supplements naturally occurring nutrients which are essential to the brain, in combination with conventional medication. At the clinic, each patient is diagnosed and undergoes an extensive medical evaluation including the establishment of the baseline level of the nutritional elements in his or her body. Subsequently, an individual regime of a combination of conventional pharmaceutical treatment, orthomolecular treatment and biopsychosocial treatment is prescribed. This approach aims at reducing the patient’s exposure to conventional antipsychotic drugs while still treating his illness, and in the long run, avoiding chronic deterioration and hospitalization. There is no other program like this in Israel.
Plant Sale at Depression Department
As part of a special therapy project, patients from the Shoenbaum Department for Treatment of Resistant Depression planted a large quantity of house plants. Their efforts were so successful that they decided to sell a quantity of the plants to the public. At the one day plant sale, they sold 520 plants. These funds will be used to continue the program, of which the patients have become quite proud.
Herzog Radio Series
Dr. David Greenberg, Director of Herzog’s Community Mental Health Center and Prof. Eliezer Witztum, psychiatrist at the Center, appeared on Israeli radio in a series of 14 radio programs, discussing psychiatric therapy, problems and treatment in the North-Jerusalem Ultra-Orthodox community. The series follows the publication of Dr. Greenberg’s and Prof. Witztum’s book, “Sanity and Sanctity”, which depicts their work with the Orthodox community of Jerusalem. The book examines the various aspects, difficulties and challenges that the Orthodox community presents to the therapists in the field of Mental Health. The book is available from all Hospital Friend’s offices.
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Another Site Built by [ Telerom C.S. ] ,Israel -
2001