BNAI ZION’S HISTORY
Over 100 years of medical excellence
Saving Lives Since 1922
Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, Israel has a rich and storied history that dates back to 1922 when it was established as a hospital to serve the needs of the local Jewish community. It also secretly cared for “illegal” immigrants and underground fighters. Over the years, the medical center has grown and evolved, expanding its facilities and services to become a leading healthcare institution in the region. Bnai Zion Medical Center plays a pivotal role in providing medical care during periods of peace and conflict. Today, Bnai Zion stands as a symbol of medical excellence.
Bnai Zion was founded by the Hadassah Medical Association- operated out of a small stone building located close to the waterfront.
1922
Ownership was transferred from Hadassah to the Jewish Community Committee.
1930
Rothschilds funded the hospital and also gave the land the present building sits upon.
1934
The hospital moved to its current location in a building erected by the donation of Baroness Ada de Rothschild. The hospital had 85 beds, 3 wards and one laboratory.
1942
The School of Nursing was founded, the first of its kind in Haifa.
1946
The Medical Center entered a major development boom, the central wing was established, number of bed increased and many new departments opened.
1950s/
1960s
The government took over the financing of municipal hospitals, and since then, the Rothschild Hospital has appeared in the budget of the Ministry of Health.
1966
The Technion’s Faculty of Medicine was founded and since then the hospital has been affiliated with it and functions as a university hospital.
1969
A decision was announced to build a new wing doubling the area of the medical center and the cornerstone was laid on the western wing.
1973
Construction delays due to budget difficulties and finally saw the wing occupied.
1982
Renamed Bnai Zion, funded by the Bnai Zion Foundation in the US. It is a public/private medical center, has 453 beds, and is considered a medium-sized hospital.
1989
Bnai Zion Medical Center celebrated 100 years of medical excellence.
2022
Brand new Emergency Department opened - with 2 underground floors that house the ICU and neonatal departments and the rehab center.
2023
2024
Bnai Zion stands as a united front leading the community through Israel’s current crisis.
Make a difference
Bnai Zion’s medical staff is doing critical work, but they cannot do it alone. They need your support! By making a donation today, you can help fund research, purchase medical equipment, and provide care to those in need.