IDF Launches New Unit to Provide Medical Aid to Palestinians

A new IDF reserves medical unit has been formed specifically to provide the best medical aid and assistance to the Palestinian population – even after riots.

Recently, the reservists endured a very intense stressful long week full of medical exercises. They were confronted with real life situations in order to bolster their responsiveness during times of unexpected emergencies. The reservists also practiced their readiness in providing aid after natural disasters and other life threatening situations.

Captain Reservist Dr. Lev stresses that when people are wounded, the attention is not directed towards what religion that person is or even if they are an enemy of the Jewish Nation. The goal of the reservist is to help the injured whether they are Israeli or not. He is quoted as saying that this belief stems from Israel’s, “Commitment to the Jewish and modern value of human rights.”

This new medical unit is staffed by doctors, medics, and nurses. They are all trained to provide effective excellent medical care. The reservists are supplied with advanced medical equipment. It is almost as if they are in their own hospital with their own hospital staff. The emphasis is placed on psychological and physical care to ensure patients, that they will be provided with all the help they will need to survive. The wounded are offered an interpreter or the option of bringing a friend for support. If additional care is needed, doctors can send their patients for further medical treatment to hospitals.

Deputy Reservist Commander, Dr. Yishai Levy, said, that the idea of adapting this specific kind of medical unit originated from the IDF soldiers in the field. A medical unit was essential in the field to help wounded people. First class care is provided for all sorts of situations: riots, natural disasters, and operations.

The unit also works with Palestinian medical institutions to help develop Palestinian medical infrastructure. Levy says, “When people are in need of medical care, we can’t afford to be indifferent. My soldiers leave their families, children, and jobs behind not just because they are obligated to carry out their reserve duty, but because they deeply understand the importance of fulfilling their mission and are happy to do so.

This content was used with permission from the Israel Defense Forces blog.