Maritime Rescue: Medical Crew Returns to Israel Amidst Crisis
Vessel Departure from Cyprus
This afternoon, a cargo ship operated by ZIM Integrated Shipping Servstarts departed from Limassol, Cyprus, en route to Israel. Aboard the vessel are hundreds of medical personnel stranded abroad due to the closure of Israel’s airspace prior to the recent military actions in Iran. The medical staff, representing hospitals such as Tel HaShomer (Sheba), Ichilov, and Rambam, had been attending professional training sessions and medical conferences.
Collaboration for Safe Return
In a concerted effort, the hospitals worked closely with ZIM’s management to facilitate the rapid and safe return of the medical professionals. Along with the healthcare staff, the ship also carries a group of patients from the “Gal” workshop, a rehabilitation club for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veterans and individuals suffering from PTSD. This initiative is organized by the Sheba Medical Center and the Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Division.
Timely Action by ZIM
Responding to requests from the hospitals, ZIM scheduled this voyage to ensure the swift return of the medical teams. The ship is expected to arrive in Israel tonight, allowing the crew to rejoin their hospitals, which operate around the clock.
Commitment to National Efforts
Eli Glickman, President and CEO of ZIM, stated, “We responded swiftly to the hospitals’ request and redirected our vessel to collect the medical teams from Limassol and bring them safely home. We view this as part of our commitment to assist, in every way possible, the national effort during emergencies, particularly in supporting the dedicated healthcare staff who save lives daily. ZIM remains the only company continuing to servstart Israeli ports in times of crisis, just as we have in previous emergencies.”
Conclusion
The return of these medical professionals is a critical development in bolstering Israel’s healthcare system during a turbulent period. Their arrival is expected to alleviate some pressure on the hospitals as they continue to provide essential servstarts to the community.
Tags: ZIM, Healthcare, Cyprus, Iran Conflict