Ukraine’s first lady hopes for medical ties with Israel
Zelenska, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been travelling the world and meeting world leaders to draw humanitarian support for the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
(Times of Israel) – Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, together with her Israeli counterpart Michal Herzog, met with a range of medical and psychological experts in Israel as part of Zelenska’s ongoing tour of Israel this week.
Zelenska, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been travelling the world and meeting world leaders to draw humanitarian support for the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Israel has repeatedly sent humanitarian and medical aid to Ukraine, but has been criticised by Kyiv for not sending asked-for military assistance.
Zelenska began her day visiting Sheba Medical Hospital, where she expressed hope for future cooperation between Ukrainian and Israeli medical experts.
“We need programs that support mental health and assist in the rehabilitation of injured citizens, including children, adults and the elderly. Our healthcare system cannot cope alone,” she said.
Herzog and Zelenska toured the Mordechai Shani Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine Centre at Sheba. They also visited the “virtual reality” department and met with officials from the Israel Trauma Coalition, as well as NATAL, the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Centre.
“We are very pleased that you came here to see for yourself the special treatment for children,” Herzog told Zelenska.
“Israel is very proud, and we want to share our knowledge, infrastructure and excellent medical facilities with those in need around the world.” Zelenska then met with officials from the Israel Trauma Coalition and NATAL, to discuss treating children with trauma from conflicts. The meeting included a discussion with a mother from Sderot about the effects of constant rocket fire from Gaza on her children.
“The State of Israel is a role model for us; unfortunately, you have rich experience in this area,” Zelenska said, according to a statement from the President’s Office. “Nevertheless your country still succeeds to thrive and survive, even under incessant attacks. Yes, we are resilient, but resilience comes at a high psychological price.”
Israel’s hesitance to become militarily involved in the conflict is rooted in – among other concerns – its strategic need to maintain freedom of operations in Syria, where Russian forces largely control the airspace.
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