For most adults, hospitals are stressful. For children, they can be downright frightening—even in non-critical situations. But at the pediatric ward of Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, the environment just got a little more magical.
Now adorning the ward’s walls are vibrant murals featuring familiar faces from the worlds of Mickey Mouse, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars—part of a global initiative by The Walt Disney Company to reduce hospital-related anxiety in children and support emotional well-being during treatment.
A Calming Presence in a Clinical Setting
The murals are customized to create a soothing and positive atmosphere, aiming to help children feel more relaxed and emotionally supported. Disney’s initiative is designed to give children and their families a sense of comfort, familiarity, and resilience while navigating hospital stays.
According to Disney, the program is already active in more than 1,300 hospitals worldwide, and Barzilai Medical Center is now the latest to join this growing movement. In addition to the murals, the company has also donated toys to the ward—small gestures that can make a big difference in a child’s healing journey.
Designed to Ease Children’s Anxiety
Sarra Hanson, Director of Social Responsibility for Disney Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA), explained: “This initiative is meant to ease the anxiety of children and their families and provide a more calming care experience.”
Barzilai Medical Center expressed heartfelt thanks to Disney. Ayelet Kedar, spokesperson for the hospital, said: “The contribution of beautifully decorated walls and special toys brings joy and comfort to children during these challenging times.”
