The foundation of the first civil rehabilitation center by the Hadassah Organization during the War of Independence

Following the War of Independence and the establishment of the State of Israel (November 1947-July 1949), there were large numbers of wounded and disabled soldiers and civilians. This situation forced the State of Israel to develop temporary rehabilitation centers. Rehabilitation centers for disabled patients to attend following hospital release were non-existent at the time in civilian hospitals. In August 29, 1948 the first civilian rehabilitation center was founded by the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. By the end of the war, the center was closed due to lack of financial support and political reasons. This article describes the establishment of this center by the Hadassah Medical Organization during the War of Independence.