INAUGURATION OF THE FAMILY HALL IN THE SHELTERED MATERNITY C DEPARTMENT
From the Shards – New Life: The Family Hall named after the fallen soldier, Sergeant Nathan Hai Lyard (may God avenge his blood), was inaugurated in the Sheltered Maternity C Department at Laniado Medical Center. In an emotional and powerful ceremony combining deep pain and immense revival, the family chose to commemorate their son, who fell in the battles of October 7th, specifically in a place where new life is brought into the world.
The Spark That Became an International Crowdfunding Campaign
The deep connection between Nathan Hai’s mother, Mrs. Laetitia Lyard, and Laniado Medical Center was forged over many years through her role as head of the French sector at Meuhedet Health Fund. When the news of her son’s falling arrived, Mr. Michel Lestreger, Director of Resource Development for Laniado in France, approached her and suggested commemorating his memory through a meaningful project.
The decision was made quickly: a massive crowdfunding campaign in France. During four intensive days of campaigning in Paris, which included fundraising evenings and a phone-banking system, the French public rallied in large numbers and donated over half a million euros to fund the Family Hall in the new ward, the construction of which began at the outbreak of the war.
“At first, I didn’t think I would turn my son into a fundraising focus,” shared the mother, Mrs. Laetitia Lyard, in her speech at the ceremony. “But when I traveled for the campaign, I saw the immense thirst of the public to be partners in something that gives life, in place of the life that was taken from us. I thank the hospital for giving us the opportunity to establish this tremendous project.”
The Peak Moment: Burying Part of the Rocket in the Ward’s Concrete
One of the most chilling and symbolic moments was recorded back during the cornerstone-laying ceremony in 2024. The family members decided to bury the rocket fragment they received from the army—the very weapon that killed their son—inside the reinforced concrete of the Family Hall. In the place where life was cut short by the enemy, the family poured the foundations for future generations of babies who will be born in a protected and safe space.
The Dedication Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting
The official ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, led by the Mayor of Netanya, Mr. Avi Slama. The Mayor knew Nathan Hai personally from praying together at their synagogue and had even sat beside him on the Yom Kippur immediately preceding his falling.
The event was also attended by MK R’ Yossi Taieb, MK and former Minister of Health R’ Uriel Busso, Laniado CEO Mr. Nadav Chen, VP of Development Mr. Meir Mark, and Executive Board members ‘R Zvi Reichman and ‘R Dov Shetmer. Joining the military personnel accompanying the family were Lt. Col. S. and the paramedic who treated Nathan Hai in the field (whose mother, it turned out, has been serving as a midwife at Laniado for about 20 years).
Highlights of the Emotional Ceremony:
- Ribbon Cutting: The Mayor, hospital management, and the family jointly inaugurated the sheltered department.
- Unveiling: Nathan Hai’s maternal and paternal grandparents, together with the Mayor, unveiled the hall’s dedication plaque. The family and military personnel then unveiled a special memorial tribute detailing his story of heroism.
- Affixing the Mezuzah: Performed by Rabbi Fitoussi, one of the leaders of the French community in Netanya, who supported the family and knew Nathan Hai personally.
- Yizkor Candles: The attendees gathered for a joint candle lighting in memory of the holy soldier.
“Rising from Tragedy to Increase Giving”
During the second part of the ceremony, held in the ward’s dining room, participants shared warm and inspiring words:
- Mayor Mr. Avi Slama: “If we are to take a moral lesson from this story, each of us must become more like ‘Nathan Hai’—adopting the qualities of kindness, prayer, and giving to others that defined him. This is an exemplary family that took the greatest tragedy and grew life from it.”
- Laniado CEO Mr. Nadav Chen: “This is a family one can only admire. Immediately after accepting the decree, they began life-giving initiatives. The dedication of the Family Hall in Maternity C is the pinnacle of this endeavor—giving life in memory of a soldier who sacrificed his life for us.”
- MK R’ Uriel Busso: “Nothing is more natural for a family like this, who rose from tragedy and chose life together with Laniado Medical Center—a hospital that itself rose from the Holocaust to revival.”
- MK R’ Yossi Taieb, who has accompanied the family since the day of their loss, emphasized: “The Lyard family decided to take part in building life moving forward immediately after their son fell. We must learn from them how to rise from the fracture, and increase unity and giving among the public.”
At the conclusion of the evening, the Lyard family was presented with a special certificate of appreciation from Laniado Medical Center for their unforgettable contribution.
Laniado Medical Center extends its deepest gratitude to the dear Lyard family and the French Jewish community for this holy partnership, and wishes that this ward will always echo with the sounds of joy, health, and new life. May the memory of Nathan Hai Lyard be blessed and bound up in the bond of life.
