Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel was inaugurated on October 29, 1991 (see photo album), and officially opened to the public in April 1992. The medical center owes its establishment and name to its founders and major benefactors, Irving and Helen Schneider of New York, USA. It was built following a comprehensive study of Israel's healthcare system and its national pediatric medical needs. The survey was commissioned by Irving Schneider, who, together with his late wife Helen, had previously conceived and developed Schneider Children's Hospital at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York and recognized the need for a similar facility in Israel.

Conducted by an international committee of experts between 1986-1988, the survey concluded that there was a critical necessity for a modern tertiary care hospital solely dedicated to children in Israel and the Middle East. The results also emphasized that a children's department in a general hospital were insufficient to respond to the special needs of children, who ought to be treated as such, and not as small adults.

A building with an area of about 20,000 sq. meters was originally suggested, much less that what was finally built (35,000 sq. meters). Designed by Americans Marvin Bostin, a specialist in the planning of children's hospitals and Jerry Switzer, a renowned architect, the planning of the seven-story building took about three years. Each floor comprised a central passageway, which divided the area into two main sections: hospitalization wards on one side and day clinics on the other.

Mr. Schneider himself was involved in every detail from the start. Once or twice a month, he and Mrs. Schneider visited Israel to follow progress. The whole family participated including their two daughters, one of whom, Lynn Schneider, is an architect by profession. Towards the final stages of construction, Helen Schneider became the guiding spirit behind issues of aesthetics and it is due to her elegant style and impeccable taste that the choice of materials and coloring are so unique to the medical center. In addition, she was the founder of Schneider Children's volunteer organization, "Yeladim Shelanu" (Our Children) and served as its President until her death in 2001. Her daughter, Mindy Schneider Lesser, now heads the organization.

Since its inception, Schneider Children's has made an indelible contribution to the healthcare of children in Israel. Through the development of pediatric sub-specialties, such as surgery, anesthesia and imaging, children's departments in other hospitals have been upgraded throughout the country. In creating a hospital exclusively for infants, children and adolescents, Schneider Children's responded to a real need and adopted world standards of hospital professionalism. But its true success lies in its pioneering spirit, the quality and dedication of its staff, and the devotion of its supporters and volunteers. All these have combined to create a winning combination between medical excellence and a special environment for children. This is the core of the medical center.


Helen Schneider - A Tribute
May her memory be blessed

Helen Schneider may no longer be with us, but her fingerprint continues to pervade Schneider Children's beautiful building with its warm atmosphere, and her spirit - the spirit of giving, generosity and of saving lives - will forever echo within its walls, carrying with it the health and the love of many children.

Helen Schneider, together with her husband Irving, had a common dream: to establish a medical center in Israel dedicated solely to the special needs of children. Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel came into being in 1991 through their generosity - which, it is proper to note, did not end with their financial contribution. During the various stages of the hospital's establishment, as well as during its first decade of operation, Helen always displayed exceptional insight. In her special quiet, yet dynamic style which she preferred to enact behind the scenes, she contributed immensely to the hospital and to its patients.

Her sense of aesthetics, impeccable taste and sensitivity towards children's needs are an integral part of the hospital. She initiated and founded the volunteer association "Yeladim Shelanu" (literally, Our Children), to benefit the children of Schneider Children's and served as its President until her death. She was not only a devoted friend and a member of the family, but also Schneider Children's mentor, whose guidance will always be felt.

Undoubtedly, Schneider Children's would not be the popular and recognized institution that it is today had it not been for Helen Schneider's input. She was a pivotal figure during the planning stages of the hospital, always concerned with the tiniest of nuances, which would affect children's emotions and feelings. Everyone who met her respected and valued her repose on the one hand, and her myriad accomplishments on the other. Her courage, her warmth and her giving, her enormous caring and her determination for quality and excellence - traits that epitomized her grandeur in every sense of the word - all had tremendous impact on Schneider Children's.

On December 8, 2001, Helen passed away in New York following a serious illness. She was 80 years old. Helen is survived by her loving husband Irving, their daughters, Lynn Schneider and Mindy Schneider Lesser, and grandchildren. Helen will remain in our hearts forever.