A bris (ritual circumcision) . A great-grandson! What nachas! A beautiful moment to share among family but the great-grandparents – the patriarch and matriarch of the family – cannot be there. Travel at their age is extremely difficult. During wartime, impossible.
War in Israel: Great- grandparents will not miss the bris
However, they didn’t reckon with Ezer Mizion. A trip from south of Tel Aviv to north of Netanya, 52 miles. During a war. But Ezer Mizion was undaunted. Such nachas can absolutely not be missed. The logistics were worked out. A safe route mapped. And, bedecked in her finest, bejeweled in pearls, together with her smartly dressed. wheelchair-bound husband, the pair boarded the Ezer Mizion ambulance, respectfully assisted by the Ezer Mizion driver with the dignity befitting this venerable couple.
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They’re pouring in. from everywhere. A group recently arrived from Los Angeles to show solidarity with Israel during these most difficult times. Some volunteered to man the Ezer Mizion Refreshment Stands in hospitals, a refuge for the families of the wounded and the medical staff, all so desperately in need of a pick-me-up – a slice of cake iced in caring and smiles, a cup of coffee that warms the very soul. The staff, the family members are giving, giving, giving. They’re running on empty. They want to give more to the brave, wounded soldiers but there is nothing left inside of them. An understanding word at the Ezer Mizion Refreshment Stand accompanied by a comforting snack generates another pocket of giving. And so, they continue to care for the patient. Another hour, another day.
Los Angeles group showing solidarity with War in Israel
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According to international regulations, a stem cell donor and recipient may not meet until a year has passed and permission is obtained from both. A meeting was set up. Both donor and recipient and their respective families were thrilled. One gave life. The other received life. The joyful tears, the impossible-to-express gratitude. The cries. The hugs.
The meeting will take place but the donor will not be able to attend. He was murdered the first day of the war.
His wife will come instead with their two young children. “I want my children to know what a special father they had! He was always doing good for everyone! And I want to meet the person in whom my husband lives on….”
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They work in teams, our precious volunteers. This time it was to visit our courageous wounded soldiers. They came bearing kits, produced by the municipality, containing basics and little extras designed for both practical assistance and an emotional pick-me-up that says, ‘We care.’ The first team dispensed these heartwarming kits and the second coffee and cake. This gesture warmed the recovering war victims’ hearts, and they and their family members began sharing moving stories, along with sincere words of appreciation.
