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Beersheba’s Soroka University Medical Center, southern Israel’s primary hospital, will receive more than NIS 1 billion ($307 million) to rebuild after being hit by an Iranian missile in June, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday.
Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the funds will come from the government, the Clalit Health Services group, and a private donation by Canadian-Israeli businessman Sylvan Adams — Soroka’s largest private contribution since its founding in 1959.
The funding package will finance a new, armored hospitalization building to replace facilities destroyed in the June missile strike. The government approved NIS 360 million ($111 million) to be distributed over five years, with matching amounts from Clalit and Adams’ $100 million (NIS 323 million) donation.
Addressing the cabinet, Netanyahu praised Adams, calling him “a great donor to the State of Israel.” He added humorously, “He does it wholeheartedly — and sometimes with aerobic effort,” referencing Adams’ cycling endeavors and his role in bringing the Giro d’Italia race to Israel.
Adams, present at the meeting, described the project as a personal mission. “It’s a great honor to give a $100 million gift to rebuild Soroka into the best hospital in the Middle East,” he said. “Our answer to Iran is to build back bigger and better.”
Soroka’s director, Prof. Shlomi Codish, welcomed the government’s decision. “This generous funding will reshape Soroka’s future and ensure it continues to serve as a cornerstone of medical care in the Negev,” he said.
The June 19 missile strike from Iran left eight operating rooms and six research labs in ruins, injuring more than 80 people. Nearly 60% of the building had been evacuated the day before, preventing greater casualties.
Following the attack, several philanthropic organizations, including the Koum Family Foundation and the Helmsley Foundation, launched emergency campaigns that collectively raised over $65 million.
With the new state and private commitments, Soroka’s reconstruction will begin in 2026, symbolizing Israel’s resilience and investment in healthcare security amid rising regional tensions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members