In the past six months Israel has helped about 200 wounded men, women and children cross the Syrian border and enter Ziv Medical Center, which has spent $1.5 million so far on their treatment.

No matter their role in the fighting — rebel or innocent civilian — the Syrians have come here at great risk: They could face arrest or worse if Syria ever found out they visited Israel.

Many patients arrive clutching referral letters from Syrian doctors.

"My colleague the surgeon, best regards," one letter reads. "This patient, 38 years of age, has experienced a gunshot in the chest. … We beseech you to do what is necessary, and we are grateful for your work."

(READ or LISTEN to the story at NPR)