Minister of Construction and Housing, Rabbi Yitzhak Goldknopf, visited ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, the rehabilitation village’s high dependency ward and the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center located within the village. Throughout his tour of southern Israel’s first and only rehabilitation hospital, Goldknopf expressed admiration for ongoing activity under such challenging circumstances, and support for the dedicated staff and their commitment to the physical and emotional wellbeing of their patients.
Minister Goldknopf met numerous patients, including orthopedic rehabilitation patient Hector Roitman from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Roitman was hospitalized on October 6, one day before the appalling Hamas infiltration and massacre. Though Roitman’s life was saved, his wife, Ophelia, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists.
Avi Wortzman, CEO of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, thanked the Minister for visiting the village during these troubling times. “Our village is located next to the town of Ofakim, a mere 20 km. from the Gaza border. The Ministry of Housing plays an important role in plans for the development of the village. With the support of the Ministry of Housing and the Merhavim Regional Council, we are now in the final stages of planning the integrative community, ADI Negev – Merhav Daniel, and we will continue working together with the Ministry to establish new projects for the benefit of people with disabilities and the residents of southern Israel.”
“I was very impressed by the activity I saw at the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran rehabilitation village and the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center,” commented Minister Goldknopf. “Escorted by Avi Wortzman, I visited the various wards and met staff that is professionally and compassionately dedicated to the welfare of their patients. Meeting Hector Roitman was a very special moment that will stay with me forever. Hector was miraculously spared from the catastrophic tragedy that took place on October7, but sadly, his wife was taken hostage by the barbaric enemy. I told Hector that together, the People of Israel are strong. I pray and hope for the safe return of Hector’s wife, together with all of the hostages.”
