With Haifa and the north under constant missile attacks from Iran and Hezbollah, Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) launched a complex logistical operation to protect and preserve thousands of biological samples, ensuring their continued use in research and clinical practice.
Last year, when Iranian missiles struck Israel—including a direct hit on the Weizmann Institute of Science—several research laboratories were significantly damaged, and irreplaceable scientific samples were lost. In recent days, the Leir Foundation Clinical Research Institute (CRIR) at Rambam proactively transferred thousands of unique research samples—representing years of scientific work—into a designated fortified facility within the hospital campus to prevent similar losses and safeguard critical research.
The collection includes rare antibodies and biological materials that cannot be reproduced.
Stored in liquid‑nitrogen tanks at –150°C, the collection is of significant scientific value and includes rare human blood and tissue samples taken from patients with complex diseases. It also includes animal samples from long‑term studies requiring months or even years of growth and monitoring, unique molecular components under development for future personalised medicine, and rare antibodies and biological materials that cannot be reproduced.
CRIR research teams led the transfer in coordination with Rambam’s administration, security division, and engineering department. Throughout the operation, they followed strict protocols to maintain required temperatures, transport conditions, and biological safeguards—even under emergency constraints.
“The samples we have are the result of years of scientific work,” says Dr. Shlomit Yehudai‑Reshef, director of the research institute. “We carry a profound responsibility to protect them, especially at a time like this. Our teams completed the transfer with exceptional efficiency, dedication, and professionalism, and I am proud of every participant.”
“Even during the war, our scientists continue their work with a deep sense of mission”.
Dr. Yehudai‑Reshef notes that even during the war, research has not paused. “Our scientists continue their work with a deep sense of mission, striving for scientific and medical breakthroughs that will benefit our patients and the Israeli healthcare system. The situation is complex, but our commitment to advancing healthcare is stronger. Our goal remains clear: to continue discovering, developing, and contributing to the future of medicine.”
