Haifa, one of Israel's major cities, is situated along the northern coastline and is often referred to as the unofficial capital of the north. The city is renowned for its unique example of coexistence between Arabs and Jews, with about 11 percent of Haifa's population being Arab-Israeli.
Haifa, however, is not just a symbol of peaceful coexistence—it is also a prime target for Hezbollah should the terror group choose to engage Israel in a broader regional conflict. In mid-June, Hezbollah released a 9-minute propaganda video, reportedly filmed by a drone, which documented military and civilian areas in Haifa. This video served as a psychological tactic designed to instill fear in residents, with the terror group subtly marking its targets within Israel.
During my visit, I went to Haifa's Rambam Health Care Campus to learn about the city's preparedness for potential attacks from Hezbollah or the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hospitals are undeniably vulnerable targets, and there is no telling the lengths to which these terror groups might go to inflict harm on civilian populations.
As we entered the hospital, we took the elevators down to the underground Level 3 parking lot instead of heading upward. What I witnessed there was a transformation beyond anything I had ever seen. The Rambam Health Care Campus had converted its underground parking garage into a fully functioning underground fortified hospital. Hospital beds stretched as far as the eye could see, totaling approximately 2,200. The three-floor facility, with each level spanning over 20,000 square meters, is the largest underground hospital in the world.
Professor Michael Halberthal, Director General and CEO of Rambam Health Care Campus, explained that after the devastation of the Second Lebanon War, the hospital's management resolved never to leave their patients so vulnerable again. Driven by a commitment to their patients, they built this fortified underground medical facility from the ground up, with all the necessary infrastructure—ready in the ceilings and walls—to provide shelter for over 2,000 patients. In the event of a serious attack from Hezbollah or Iran, the hospital can relocate all its operations underground in less than eight hours and accommodate two other hospitals in the area, ensuring that most of Haifa can continue its medical services without disruption.
The underground hospital boasts twenty-four fully fortified operating rooms and has even established a daycare for families capable of caring for up to 500 children. The facility reportedly can withstand conventional, chemical, and biological attacks. Between patients, staff, and families, the three-floor underground facility can house up to 8,000 people, with enough water, oxygen, electricity, food, and gas to last three whole days without external assistance.
Haifa has also converted schools, parking garages, and other spaces around the region into fortified shelters for locals, preparing for a more serious scenario.
Israel's ability to adapt and innovate is well-known, but seeing how Rambam transformed a parking lot into a fully functioning hospital is something that words can hardly capture. It embodies the true essence of Israel: brilliance, innovation, and resilience. According to Professor Halberthal, approximately thirty percent of the hospital staff are not Jewish, meaning this incredible transformation was largely achieved through the collaborative efforts of Jews and Arabs, working together to save lives. It is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when communities unite, even under the shadow of potential devastation.
While there may not be a perfect way to prepare for a larger war in the north, it is reassuring to see that Rambam Health Care Campus has found a way to ensure they can continue saving lives in the face of unimaginable threats. This underground hospital stands as a testament not only to Israel's ingenuity but also to its unwavering determination to protect its citizens. It may seem like an ordinary hospital, but it represents the indomitable Jewish spirit of survival and resilience.
