In just over three weeks, we had planned to hold the International Congress of the Israel Society of Anesthesiologists (#ICISA2023) hosting Sepsis2023 of the International Sepsis Forum.

On Saturday October 7th, the day of Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday, Hamas invaded Israeli homes, and terrorists slaughtered soldiers and innocent civilians, men, women, children and babies in their homes. Hundreds killed. Hundreds kidnapped and held hostage. Thousands injured.

Every minute since then, we are fighting for our homes and safety in our country, Israel. We are mourning and grieving. Rockets are still falling and we are just starting to learn of the horrors perpetrated.

 

Our medical teams are working round the clock, simultaneously saving lives while caring for their own families during this war. Many of the anesthesiologists in Israel were recruited to the military, to utilize their skills to attend to soldiers in the battlefields.

 

We recognize that this is not the time to celebrate. Now is the time to salute and to support our dedicated medical teams working tirelessly, under impossible conditions, often under direct attacks.

 

We have therefore made the only possible decision, to postpone the Congress.

The logistical and procedural issues including reimbursements for those who already registered to attend the Congress and Hands-On Sessions will be attended to as soon as possible.

We would like to use this message also to thank all that have contributed to the Congress planning and preparation.

 As soon as we are able, we will make future plans regarding the Congress we had planned, and of course we will update you. We look forward to hosting you soon in Israel.

 

We pray for the swift and safe return of all our soldiers, and to healing and peace in our injured country.

 

ICISA2023 Organizers

Israel Society of Anesthesiologists Committee

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