An Israeli NGO has become a source of support for front line medical teams battling coronavirus at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer - the largest hospital in the country.
Notnim Tikva (Giving Hope) was created 15 years ago, and usually operates at Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital within Sheba, but is now busying itself with providing doctors, nurses and other medical staff whatever support they need - from food and drink to rides to work. It says it tries to meet any request from those working so hard to heal others.
The NGO was founded with the aim of helping and supporting children in hospital, but has expanded its operations to include healthcare professionals in this time of emergency.
Notnim Tikva founder and CEO Shmuel Moshe says the coronavirus pandemic has shown the need for people to unite and support one another - and especially those who are helping others.
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Notnim Tikva founder Shmuel Moshe with a member of the Sheba pediatric nursing staff and a young patient
(Photo: Courtesy)
"I believe that especially nowadays, when a global crisis hits us – we, as a society and as individuals, must do everything in our power to assist the medical teams and those in need," Moshe says.
"I trust that that's what will heal the world – and make it a better place."
Over the years, Notnim Tikva has helped and supported thousands of children and their families through every step of a child’s illness and even its aftermath.
The organization's fully dedicated team is on call on a 24/7 basis, helping medical teams, accompanying the quarantined children in the hospital to their treatments and even providing a comforting adult presence when their parents cannot be with them.