Israeli Medical Team Restores Sight to Hundreds in Ethiopia

In a remarkable display of compassion and expertise, an Israeli medical delegation known as Operation Ethiopia has brought hope and healing to hundreds of visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia. The 15-member team, led by Prof. Morris E. Hartstein, concluded their latest mission on Sunday, delivering critical eye care services to nearly 1,000 patients across the country.

The team provided care in Addis Ababa and the Seba Kare internally displaced persons camp in Mekelle, Tigray, regions where access to specialized medical services is severely limited. Among their many achievements, they restored the eyesight of over 500 blind individuals through an ambitious Cataract Campaign, distributed hundreds of pairs of glasses, and donated 18 canes to the Mekelle School for the Blind.

The mission wasn’t just about immediate relief; it also focused on empowering local communities. The delegation trained dozens of Ethiopian teenagers aged 15 to 18 in basic first aid, ensuring the impact of their visit would resonate long after their departure.

Adv. Jeremy Lustman, a participant in the mission and head of the DLA Piper Israel Group, shared his reflections on the experience. “Witnessing the direct impact of Operation Ethiopia how a dedicated team can restore sight, hope, and dignity to hundreds of people in just a few days is truly transformative. It's a powerful reminder of how professional collaboration can make a profound difference in people's lives," he said.

This humanitarian mission exemplifies Israel’s commitment to using its expertise and resources to benefit global communities. Operation Ethiopia not only gave individuals the gift of sight but also uplifted entire communities through education and empowerment.

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