Delegation of American doctors from APF visits Laniado Hospital in Netanya

Laniado Hospital in Netanya has hosted a delegation of several dozen doctors from the American organisation APF. According to NetanyaNet, the visitors came to see at first hand how the hospital prepares for emergencies, to explore ways of deepening cooperation and to show support for Israel’s health system.

APF (American Healthcare Professionals and Friends for Medicine in Israel) is a US-based non-profit that works to strengthen ties between the North American and Israeli medical communities.

From 7 October to the latest operations

The delegation was given an overview of how Laniado has organised its emergency and trauma work, from the events of 7 October through to Operations Rising Lion (Am KeLavi) and Roaring Lion (Sha’agat HaAri). The guests were welcomed by the hospital’s deputy medical director, Dr Yossi Dukes, who thanked APF for the partnership and said Laniado’s management wants to deepen and expand the cooperation.

Osnat Kaniel, head of the hospital’s emergency-preparedness headquarters, presented its emergency planning. Dr Arie Simonds, director of the neonatal intensive care unit, described the readiness of the women’s and maternity division, and Dr Nimrod Aviran, director of the trauma unit, gave a talk on the unit’s work.

The doctors then toured the hospital, visiting the trauma unit, the new delivery rooms and the protected neonatal unit, facilities that allow medical care and births to continue even in wartime.

A long-standing partnership

APF has supported Israeli medicine for years, among other things by funding fellowship programmes for Israeli doctors in North America; on completion, the doctors commit to returning to work in Israel’s public health system. When the Swords of Iron war broke out, the organisation sent volunteer physicians from the United States to Israel, including pathologists and specialists in other fields where help was needed.

Laniado’s director-general, Nadav Chen, called the guests «true partners». He said the organisation’s immediate support at the start of the war, together with its long-term investment in the next generation of Israeli doctors through the fellowships, amounted to a very valuable relationship. Chen added that the visit strengthens the hospital’s staff and marks a milestone in making Laniado resilient to any scenario, on the front line and on the home front, and pledged to keep deepening the cooperation for the health of some half a million residents of Netanya and the Sharon.

Source: NetanyaNet, 10 November 2026.
Photo: Laniado Hospital (via NetanyaNet).