Ziv Medical Center
Ziv Medical Center is a critical public hospital and trauma center located in Safed, serving the Galilee and Golan Heights regions. Situated just 11 kilometers from the Lebanese border, it functions as a strategic frontline medical facility during regional conflicts.
Established in 1910, Ziv Medical Center in Safed is the primary healthcare provider for approximately 250,000 residents of northern Israel, including the Galilee and the Golan Heights. Its geographic proximity to the borders with Lebanon and Syria has historically positioned it as a leading trauma center, frequently treating both civilian casualties and IDF soldiers during periods of escalation. The hospital is known for its specialized underground facilities, which allow it to maintain life-saving operations even under direct rocket fire.
In times of high security tension, Ziv Medical Center transitions to a full emergency protocol. This involves the relocation of inpatient wards to fortified, protected spaces and the suspension of elective procedures and outpatient services to maximize capacity for trauma cases. The hospital's resilience is a cornerstone of northern Israel's national security infrastructure, ensuring that the civilian population and security forces remain supported despite the persistent threat of missile and drone attacks from the 'Axis of Resistance,' including Hezbollah and Iranian proxies. Beyond its security role, the center serves a diverse population and is a key hub for medical education and research in the northern periphery.