Hadassah Hospital–Mount Scopus first opened its doors in 1939, the region’s first modern medical facility. For 10 years, Hadassah Mount Scopus faithfully served all the peoples of the area, without regard for race, religion or ethnic origin. From 1948 - 1967, when Hadassah-Mount Scopus was cut off from the rest of Jerusalem, the building stood abandoned and deteriorated. In 1978, completely restored to its former beauty, with all vestiges of war and neglect erased, the hospital re-opened its doors.

Today, the hospital serves both Arabs and Jews from the northern neighborhoods of Jerusalem, the surrounding towns and villages, the Palestinian Authority, as well as patients who come from all parts of the country. But the Pediatrics Department badly needs renovating to bring the facilities up to date and enable it to serve the ever-expanding population of children who need its expertise.

When their children are first admitted to the hospital, families from diverse backgrounds oftentimes do not appreciate the common bonds that unite them. As contact among Arab and Jewish families increases, there is a gradual dissipation of the pervasive suspicion, fear, and hostility. One mother may be in the washroom when her child begins to cry, and another mother will replace the baby’s pacifier or pick him up to comfort him. A mother can be sleeping when a food tray is brought, and another parent sharing the room saves her portion. In time, one family goes down to the cafeteria for coffee, and brings back snacks for the other families.  It makes little difference if these families are Arab or Jewish. As parents from opposite sides of the divide come to know one another as individuals, perspectives gradually begin to change and stereotypes blur. To one another, they are now only parents of sick children, battling a common enemy—disease.

Today, the Pediatrics Department has an annual occupancy of well over 100%, reaching 150% in winter months.

The renovation and expansion will:

·         Reduce the number of children in a room

·         Allow parents to stay with their child overnight

·         Provide consultation rooms for parents and medical staff

·         Add staff and seminar meeting rooms

·         Include the purchase of advanced medical equipment

The cost of the renovation is $1 million. The cost of the equipment is $491,802

Total funds needed: $1,491,802