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Tel Hashomer - Recovering from Trauma

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 On the third day of our tour we were privileged to visit two members of the IDF who had been injured in battle and were recovering in the rehabilitation department of the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Both were gracious in thanking our group for showing up, particularly Omer who mentioned how meaningful it was for American Jews to travel the long distance to show their solidarity with Israelis. Omer had gone through numerous surgeries and a life threatening infection but he was upbeat and proudly showing us pictures of his young daughter who is waiting at home for his return. 

 One of the most striking aspects of our visit to Sheba was that the person who accompanied us on the tour was a volunteer who had never been to the hospital until war broke out on October 7. She initially came to the hospital to see what she might do for those who were injured, securing supplies wherever they were needed. Because she spoke fluent English the hospital staff then asked her if she could take English speaking groups on tours of the hospital when they arrived and she agreed.

This spirit of volunteerism is one we encountered numerous times during our tour, exemplified by groups such as Brothers and Sisters in Arms and Zaka. To able to marshal the physical and emotional energy to provide numerous services to those in need despite the terrible trauma of October 7 revealed the incredible resiliency of the Israeli people. It also brought to mind the famous saying from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers), Chapter 2:16 " Rabbi Tarfon used to say...It is not up to you to finish the task, but you are not free to avoid it." 

 The trauma that Israel has suffered from the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7 will have long lasting affects and recovery will be a slow and uneven process. It was impossible to know when we started our journey how our presence would be received by those who are mourning the loss of loved ones and healing from physical and emotional harms. The warm reception we received from all of the Israelis we visited was very heartening and confirmed that our trip was viewed in the spirit of Rabbi Tarfon's famous saying. We were all blessed to be able to participate in the mitzvah of a solidarity mission.

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