A Circle Is Complete at Schneider Children's

The Department of Returnees Concludes Its Momentous and Critical Role and Transitions Back to Pediatric Care. On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Department of Returnees at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, part of the Clalit group, concluded its interim role and began transitioning back to its original function as Pediatric Department D

Date: 17.12.25 | Update: 21.12.25

The Department of Returnees was established at Schneider Children's following October 7, in preparation for the expected return of children, adolescents, and adults from captivity in Gaza. The department provided comprehensive medical, mental health, and rehabilitative care to returning hostages and their families. For over two years, approximately forty patients were treated in the department, among them infants, children, adolescents, and adults each facing the long-term effects of captivity and trauma.

With the completion of the role for which the department was established, and following the return of all remaining living hostages, the department concluded its activity. Tomorrow, it will once again admit pediatric patients as part of the routine operation of Pediatric Department D at Schneider Children's.

The event included a ceremony to reinstall the department's official sign and to light the fourth candle of Hanukkah. Placed at the entrance, the sign tells the story of the Department of Returnees-an exceptional period in the history of Schneider Children's, shaped by a national need and one that will remain part of the shared memory of the medical teams and the families.

Among the attendees at the ceremony were families of returnees who were treated in the department, including Sharon Cunio and her sister Danielle Aloni, the Brodetz family, and the Engel family. Together with the care teams, they marked a moment of closure, remembrance, and hope.

Also in attendance were Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Health; Yohanan Locker, Chair of the Clalit group; Colonel Yoav Bar Sela, Commander of the Department of Returnees; Brigadier General Edna Elia, Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of the Casualties Division; Colonel Dr. Avi Shina, Commander of the Medical Services Center; senior leadership from Schneider Children's, Beilinson, and Geha Medical Centers; and the multidisciplinary care teams who supported the Department of Returnees throughout its operation.

Prof. Efrat Bron Harlev, CEO of Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, said:'

"The Department of Returnees was created during a period of deep uncertainty, driven by a sense of national responsibility toward the children and families coming home from captivity. Over more than two years, in difficult and often painful intervals, we welcomed forty returnees - children and adults alike - and remained committed to keeping the department open until the last captive was brought home. Today, as Pediatric Department D is preparing to reopen, we are completing a circle. This moment reflects resilience and hope, while also honoring the memory of the late Ran Gvili, who has not yet been returned for burial in Israel, and all those who did not survive.. Resuming our original role - caring for children - is both a responsibility and a privilege."

Prof. Efrat Bron Harlev, CEO of Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel (center), with Sharon Cunio (left) and Danielle Aloni (right)

Dr. Lena Koren Feldman, CEO of Beilinson Hospital, and Prof. Efrat Bron Harlev, CEO of Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, lighting Hanukkah candles in the department