In a special ceremony at the Presidential Residence, President Yitzhak Herzog bestowed the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation to individuals who displayed bravery and civil heroism above and beyond the call of duty on October 7. Shoshi Diamont, a nurse at the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, was among award recipient for her role in administering aid and saving lives on October 7.
Shoshi, a resident of Kibbutz Zalim, was making her way to the kibbutz entrance on the morning of October 7, when she saw a stream of close to 400 people rushing towards the kibbutz. Some were bleeding, some had been shot, some were riding in bullet-riddled cars. All were scrambling to the kibbutz in a frenzied attempt to reach help.
Taking stock of the situation, Shoshi knew she could help and quickly made her way to the kibbutz clinic. Shoshi immediately began to treat the wounded, arranging them according to the severity of their injuries and trying to get people with the most severe injuries evacuated to the hospital. Shoshi treated people with bullet wounds or heavy bleeding. Simultaneously caring for a number of wounded, Shoshi also guided others to the kibbutz dining hall where they received food and shelter.
Discerning that ambulances were slow in arriving, Shoshi displayed quick thinking and initiative, instructing that seats be dismantled from kibbutz vehicles to create space for wounded and enable evacuation. Shoshi cared for children with head wounds caused by shrapnel and calmed hysterical girls, suffering, severely wounded and debating with themselves if and how to notify their parents.
Shoshi, “It is a great privilege for me to receive the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation. I do not think I am a hero. I acted through a sense of shared destiny and mutual responsibility with the goal of saving as many lives as possible. Being a nurse is not a profession, it is a mission. I will continue giving of myself as much as possible, without hesitation. At this difficult time, during which the best of our sons and daughters are guarding our home and medical teams are caring for thousands of wounded since the beginning of the war, we understand the importance of the intertwining connection between the front and the home front.”
Shoshi was recommended for the Presidential award by Avi Wortzman, CEO of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran. “As one who has known Shoshi for a long time in her position as a dedicated nurse at the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center located at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, I can attest to the fact that she is filled with giving and dedication to her profession. Shoshi cares for patients at the medical center, among them soldiers and war-wounded, with utmost devotion. She always has a smile on her face and encouraging word. In my opinion, Shoshi is worthy of this award. In general, Shoshi symbolizes the spirit of volunteerism and giving, and this is more than true regarding the events from October 7 and onward. Shoshi continues to give and volunteer. She sets a personal example and is an inspiration. Shoshi’s contribution to the national mood, to national strength and heroism is immense.”
