Counterterrorism Unit Gives Superhero Surprise to Children at Schneider Hospital

Yamam fighters, disguised as superheroes, rappelled down from the hospital’s roof in an event dedicated to the fallen commanders of “The Monkeys” team, who gave their lives in the Iron Swords War.

Superheroes come to life: Volunteers rappel down the hospital wall" | Photo: Schneider Hospital Spokesperson

Heroes Descend from the Sky
It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman! Volunteers dressed as superheroes arrived at Schneider Children’s Medical Center in the most creative way possible—descending from the hospital roof on ropes. These volunteers, elite counterterrorism officers from the Yamam unit, partnered with the Our Children Foundation to bring joy to the young patients.

Schneider kids with the volunteers” | Photo: Schneider Hospital Spokesperson

A Purim Tradition of Courage and Kindness
This heartwarming event takes place annually in the spirit of Purim, featuring Yamam fighters in superhero costumes rappelling down the hospital walls and handing out Purim gift packages to hospitalized children. Each child also gets to take a picture with their favorite superhero.

Superheroes come to life: Volunteers rappel down the hospital wall” | Photo: Schneider Hospital Spokesperson

A special moment: A Schneider child posing with a superhero” | Photo: Schneider Hospital Spokesperson

Honoring Fallen Heroes
This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of the fallen commanders of the Israel Police’s Yamam counter-terrorism unit, the “Monkeys” team—Chief Inspector Alexei Shamkalov, 34, of Haifa, Superintendent Moshael Shlomo, 32, from Ramle, and Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora 36, from Sde David—who gave their lives in the Swords of Iron War.

Alexei Shamaklov and Moshael Shlomo fell on October 7th while battling Hamas terrorists who infiltrated Israel and attacked the communities in the Gaza border region. Shamaklov lost his life in the fierce battle to reclaim the Sderot police station, which had been overrun by Hamas operatives.

Arnon Zamora fell during Operation Summer Seeds, later renamed Operation Arnon in his honor. In this daring rescue mission, Israeli forces successfully freed four hostages held in the heart of the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza. Zamora was the only Israeli soldier killed in the operation, which ended in the safe recovery of all four captives.