By: James Arnold
Reim International Medical Collaborations is a nonprofit organization that has emerged as a crucial player in fostering global healthcare solidarity, particularly between the United States and Israel. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Reim has a unique mission: to bridge healthcare disparities by providing essential medical aid and fostering collaborative efforts across borders. With a foundation built on compassion and mutual aid, the organization has quickly gained recognition for its impactful work, especially during times of crisis.
Reim International Medical Collaborations began its journey under a different name and focus. Initially founded as “Green 4-Kids” in 2007 by Eti El-Kiss Mizrahi and Dr. Elizabeth Klein, her daughter, the organization aimed to provide medical aid to children with severe medical and financial needs. However, the organization’s mission evolved significantly in response to global events, particularly the conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023.
The transformation from “Green 4-Kids” to “Reim” marked a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. The name “Reim” is derived from the Hebrew word רֵעִים, which translates to “ultimate friendship,” symbolizing the organization’s commitment to fostering deep, compassionate connections through healthcare. This transformation also expanded Reim’s mission to address broader healthcare disparities across Israel, including critical care, mental health, and physical rehabilitation.
The vision and leadership of Reim International Medical Collaborations are rooted in the expertise and dedication of its founders, Dr. Ofir Koren and Eti El-Kiss Mizrahi. Dr. Koren, a distinguished medical expert, and Ms. Mizrahi, a passionate advocate for healthcare equity, combined their strengths to create an organization capable of responding swiftly and effectively to the healthcare crisis.
Key individuals like Shaul Mizrahi and Dr. Regina Koren have also played significant roles in the organization’s growth. Shaul Mizrahi’s strategic insight and Dr. Regina Koren’s medical expertise have aided Reim through challenging times and expanded its reach.
During the initial transformation from “Green 4-Kids,” the organization also benefited from Amir Naiberg, the Associate Vice Chancellor of the UCLA Technology Development Group, and Liat Sade-Sternberg, CEO of Fuse.it. Although both stepped down after the reorganization, their input helped shape the organization’s direction during its critical early stages.
Reim’s mission is deeply rooted in the principles of compassion, mutual aid, and solidarity in healthcare. The organization’s work is guided by the biblical phrase וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ (“Love your neighbor as yourself”) from Leviticus 19:18, reflecting its commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and care.
Reim focuses on providing essential medical aid to Israeli citizens, particularly in underserved areas or experiencing acute healthcare crises. The organization’s key areas of intervention include critical care, mental health care, and physical rehabilitation. By addressing these fundamental needs, Reim aims to improve the overall health and well-being of those it serves while fostering solidarity and shared responsibility among healthcare providers and patients.
One of Reim’s significant contributions came during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. In the wake of the conflict, the organization mobilized quickly to send medical equipment worth millions of USD to Israel. This aid included state-of-the-art medical devices such as portable ultrasounds, blood-transfusion kits, video-assisted laryngoscopes, and anxiety relief inhalers. These devices were used for the first time in the field and played a critical role in saving numerous lives.
Similarly, Dr. Gabriel Vorobiof, a renowned cardiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), joined Reim’s delegation to Soroka Medical Center in the southern region of Israel. His work, particularly in treating patients with heart problems in the Negev region, a diverse area home to Muslims, Bedouins, and Jews, underscored the inclusive and comprehensive nature of Reim’s mission.
Through its innovative approach to healthcare aid, its commitment to collaboration, and its dedication to serving those in need, Reim has significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, its mission to bridge healthcare disparities and foster global partnerships remains more relevant and vital than ever.
Published by: Khy Talara
