A Sukkot medical visit that may have saved a life- and the Jerusalem clinic behind it is back

Last Sukkotm grandfather walked into a mobile United Hatzalah mobile clinic in central Jerusalem to get his grandson’s minor injury treated. While they were there, he mentioned that he had been having headaches.

A volunteer physician examined him, spotted signs consistent with an early-stage stroke, and had him taken to a hospital.

Now the Ruderman Mobile Emergency Care Clinic is back for the holiday. Stationed outside the YMCA at 26 King David Street, it is open to tourists and residents through October 3, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Walk-in care is provided by licensed physicians and paramedics.

For visitors far from home, even a routine illness or injury can be difficult to manage in an unfamiliar healthcare system. The clinic offers treatment in the heart of Jerusalem, within walking distance of major hotels and the Old City. Patients who need more extensive care are referred or transported to a medical facility.

The unit has four treatment beds and equipment for blood testing, wound care, allergic reactions, and cardiac and respiratory concerns. It can also provide initial psychological support.

“Sukkot brings visitors from around the world to Jerusalem, and we want them to know that accessible medical care is close at hand if they need it,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which initiated the clinic.

United Hatzalah founder and president Eli Beer said the holiday brings many overseas visitors to Jerusalem. The clinic, he said, puts physicians, paramedics and medical equipment in an area heavily frequented by people who may need them.

Developed by the foundation and United Hatzalah following the October 7 attacks, the clinic began operating in 2025. Since then, it has served underserved communities and supported emergency responses across Israel. For Sukkot, it has returned to one of Jerusalem’s busiest visitor corridors.