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The war had begun and fear was in the air. Ezer Mizion hospital volunteers received a notice from the hospitals asking volunteers not to come for the duration. But the notice did a fast turnaround and on Monday a new notice was sent out. “We need you! We will understand if you prefer not to come but if you are able, it will be very much appreciated.” One day was all it took to see how needed our volunteers were.
And they rallied. The ubiquitous Ezer Mizion Refreshment Carts were once again dotting the major areas of the hospitals providing comfort foods for distraught family members and harried staff. Other volunteers helped wherever needed, taking the immense burden off the heavily overworked staff.
Many volunteers are trained to assist on a medical level and wear uniforms with the words ‘Ezer Mizion Medical Personnel. They help wherever needed including the operating room.
An urgent call was received by the Chief Pharmacist of Kupat Cholim (HMO). Homebound seniors who can’t access the HMO app and digital delivery service have been left without vital medications.
Our Linked to Life volunteer coordinator squad a Whatsapp network) launched a rapid response task team and we were off and running. Within hours, seven deliveries were already safely completed.
In moments of crisis, public sector leaders and health providers know they can count on Ezer Mizion. When challenges arise, we don’t just step in – we step up. Meeting the challenge is the goal and, as in one case, no methods of payment were working, the volunteer reached into his own pocket and the senior received the meds with not a word about reimbursement.
In Haifa, Ezer Mizion is spreading smiles to light up the darkness. Our incredible team began preparing customized activity kits for families of patients and children with special needs for whom there are no school or activity frameworks, in addition to their ongoing assignments and tasks. We’ve started delivering our pop-up “happiness kit” (think bouncy houses, cotton candy, and popcorn machines!) to families’ homes, spreading smiles and joy where they’re needed most. In the pediatric oncology ward, children enjoyed a moving performance by David and the puppet Tzvika—parents and kids alike joined in with smiles and applause. In partnership with Haifa Municipality’s Welfare Department, we’re organizing support for families evacuated due to rocket attacks—especially focusing on keeping their children engaged in hotel shelters. Similar activities are happening throughout the country, wherever needed.
And smiles are happening in odd places. Limor, Ezer Mizion’s Assuta Hospital Branch Director, meets a survivor of Bat Yam. He has nothing, only the clothes he is wearing. She pulls out an Ezer Mizion shirt she had with her and hands it to him. The need to give is strong, even when the wherewithals are almost nil. Hopefully, the municipality will provide what he has lost but we are certain that he will never forget Limor’s gift when he was alone with nothing.
