The Hamas Attack on October 7 Deeply Shook Israel
The consequences of the attack remain clearly felt even more than two years later. Hermann Gröhe, Deputy Chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Christoph Benn, Director for Global Health Diplomacy at the Joep Lange Institute in Geneva (Switzerland), visited Israel and the Palestinian Territories from November 3 to 7 to witness firsthand the impact and consequences of these events. A particular focus of the trip was the country's healthcare system.
Resilience of the Healthcare System
In conversations with representatives of health insurance funds, doctors, nurses, and survivors of October 7, one thing quickly became clear: the Israeli healthcare system continues to function—even during wartime. Victims of October 7 were treated swiftly, and war casualties received care without neglecting the everyday needs of the unaffected population. One particularly striking visit was to Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, which was directly hit by an Iranian missile during the 12-day war with Iran in June 2025. Despite the attack, surgeries continued that day, and hospital operations were maintained. This resilience of the Israeli healthcare system is a strength from which many can learn.
The Future of Medicine
Another strength of Israel’s healthcare system is its innovative capacity. Discussions with healthcare professionals quickly revealed how advanced Israel already is in medical technology and artificial intelligence. Exchanges with members of the Knesset also highlighted the importance of technological innovation in the medical field. This applies not only to technology: researchers in trauma therapy presented new approaches to treating patients with traumatic experiences. Lecturers from Ben-Gurion University showcased new methods to improve medical education. Israel’s innovative power is another strength from which Germany can learn and benefit.
Israel’s Internal State
Beyond healthcare, Israel’s domestic political situation was a recurring topic during the visit. Members of the Knesset discussed the current situation in Gaza and the debate over conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews with the two guests. In several conversations with church representatives, the difficult situation of Christians in both Israel and the Palestinian Territories was addressed. Here too, it became evident how medicine can offer a platform for dialogue between different groups within Israel and between Israelis and Palestinians.
The visit by Hermann Gröhe and Christoph Benn highlighted how deeply Israel remains shaken since October 7. At the same time, it demonstrated the resilience of Israeli society despite the attack and the events of recent years—a strength from which countries like Germany can learn.
