In 1826, a beacon of hope emerged amidst the ancient stones of Jerusalem. Bikur Cholim Hospital, a humble rented space in the Old City, opened its doors. This marked the beginning of organized medical care for the growing Jewish community. Bikur Cholim Hospital, meaning “Visiting the Sick,” quickly became a vital lifeline. It expanded in 1854, acquiring its own building. However, the burgeoning Jewish population soon outgrew this space as well.
By 1864, Bikur Cholim Hospital moved again, this time to a larger complex. It included treatment rooms, a pharmacy, a hospice, and administrative offices. Philanthropist Moses Montefiore championed the hospital, providing crucial support. He documented his visits in his diary, describing the two eight-bed wards, one for men and one for women. Bikur Cholim Hospital continued to expand its services and modernize. By 1893, it treated over 780 inpatients and a staggering 12,347 outpatients.
The turn of the century brought rapid growth to Jerusalem. The Jewish population swelled, and new neighborhoods sprouted beyond the Old City walls. Bikur Cholim Hospital recognized the need for a larger, more modern facility in the new city. The cornerstone for a new building was laid in 1912 on what is now Straus Street. However, World War I interrupted construction. The project resumed after the war, driven by the ever-increasing demand for medical care. By 1913, Bikur Cholim Hospital was treating over five times the number of outpatients it had two decades prior.
The new Bikur Cholim Hospital finally opened in 1925. This modern facility served all Jerusalem residents, both Jews and non-Jews. The original building in the Old City remained open until 1947, providing care for the chronically ill. Bikur Cholim Hospital played a critical role during tumultuous times. It treated numerous casualties during the Arab riots of 1929 and 1936. Jewish underground fighters, wounded in clashes, were admitted under false names to evade the British Mandate police. During the 1948 War of Independence, the hospital endured Jordanian artillery fire. It also received patients evacuated from Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus.
Even in recent history, Bikur Cholim Hospital faced financial struggles. In 2007, businessman Arkadi Gaydamak rescued it from bankruptcy. However, by 2010, funding ceased, leading to another crisis. Despite the challenges, Bikur Cholim remained vital to Jerusalem. Its central location proved crucial during emergencies, providing rapid treatment for victims of terrorist attacks. In 2012, Shaare Zedek Medical Center took over Bikur Cholim, ensuring the continuation of its essential services. Although the main hospital building eventually closed, the maternity ward and various clinics remained open, serving the surrounding community.