History of Shaare Zedek Hospital and its founders

Dr. Moshe Wallach was strict with his own Jewish observance and strict with the staff and maintenance of the Shaare Zedek hospital, which opened in 1902, a 20-minute donkey ride from the Old City of Jerusalem. Hear stories of this colorful Jerusalem character, who ran the hospital for 45 years and of head nurse Schwester Selma Mayer whose kindness was as legendary as her dedication.

Dr. Moshe Wallace, founder and director of Shaare Zedek hospital, 1956. Credit: WikiCommons

Head nurse Selma Mayer and patient. Credit: Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem.

Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany visiting the hospital while still under construction in 1898.

The old Shaare Zedek building, Purim, 2024. Credit: Ben Bresky

Schwester Selma Mayer, head nurse, at Shaare Zedek, where she lived from 1916 to 1984.

The synagogue of Shaare Zedek.

The renovated Shaare Zedek synagogue as it appears today. Credit: Ben Bresky.

Shaare Zedek under construction.

NOTES:

• My Life and Experiences at Shaare Zedek by Schwester Selma

• Saints Among Us - Time Magazine, 1975

• HaAchot Selma - Central Zionist Archives

• Sister Bolisa, adopted daughter of Dr. Moshe Wallach

• Biography of Dr. Moshe Wallach

• 120 Years of the Shaare Zedek Hospital

• American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center history

• Selma Mayer - Jewish Women’s Archive

• Current use of Old Shaare Zedek building - Social Space

• Nevia organization - Currently located at the Old Shaare Zedek building

• Jerusalem Biennale art exhibition at old Shaare Zedek building