TEL AVIV, Israel, October 30, 2025—The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) is proud to announce that The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded a $10 million grant to support the construction of a state-of-the-art Emergency Underground Hospital in the new Rehabilitation Tower at Ichilov Hospital. This pivotal project aims to provide a comprehensive solution to the urgent need for protected hospital spaces during emergencies including missile and rocket attacks.
The Emergency Underground Hospital will be located on the -5 floor of what will be the Alrov Medical Tower, currently under construction. During normal hospital operations, this underground floor will function as a parking lot, but it is designed to be converted into a fully operational emergency facility in less than 24 hours. The underground space will be equipped to accommodate 250 beds, with the ability to expand by an additional 150 beds. The facility will feature advanced protective measures, including dual air conditioning systems, a water reservoir protected from chemical and biological attacks, and fully protected oxygen and vacuum supply lines. Helmsley funds will be used over 24 months to support the construction costs of the building, including excavation, foundations, and the fortification of the –5 floor. Installation of electromechanical systems, toilets, showers, and nursing stations will also be supported.
The Ministry of Health also has committed a significant investment in this project, underscoring its importance to the country’s preparedness in the face of emergencies. The new facility will enhance the safety and treatment capacity of both the Dana Dwek Children’s Hospital and the future Rehabilitation Hospital that will be located in the Alrov Medical Tower, ensuring that both children and adult patients have a secure place during critical situations.
Just this past June, during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, Ichilov and other hospitals across Israel utilized their underground hospitals in full for the first time. At Ichilov, hundreds of patients were moved into the fortified underground facility for hospitalization. When a missile struck Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva, the importance of fortified hospitals was demonstrated, as hundreds of patients and staff were saved from harm thanks to their transfer to protected areas before the impact.
Helmsley’s very substantial support for the Emergency Underground Hospital will enable Ichilov to maintain operational continuity in central Israel during times of emergencies and mass-casualty events.
Receiving support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust and the Ministry of Health represents a crucial step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of all those under Ichilov’s care in times of crisis.
“Safety is the foundation of health and well-being for all communities. We invest in fortifying key healthcare facilities like Ichilov because unless we prioritize security, we cannot make permanent progress in expanding access to healthcare or improving the quality of healthcare in Israel,” said Sandor Frankel, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust.
Prof. Eli Sprecher, CEO of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), said: “The generous donation from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, combined with the vital support of the Ministry of Health, is a monumental step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, especially during times of crisis. As we learned just this past June, this is critical infrastructure for the resilience of the State of Israel and its citizens. This state-of-the-art Emergency Underground Hospital will provide a very important, secure space for care and treatment, not only for children at the Dana Dwek Children’s Hospital but for all patients who require protection in extreme situations. We are deeply grateful for this partnership, which reflects our shared commitment to building a more resilient and prepared healthcare system for Israel.”
About Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov is the largest acute care facility in Israel, treating about 400,000 patients and hosting 1.8 million patient visits per year. A 1500-bed world-class governmental academic medical center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center serves a population of one million people, including residents from the greater Tel Aviv area and visitors to the metropolis.
About the Helmsley Charitable Trust
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has granted more than $4.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes, including more than $700 million in grants for Israel. For more information on Helmsley and its programs, visit helmsleytrust.org.
