8 | NOVEMBER 2 • 2023 J
N
essay
Israel’s Remarkable Resilience Is a
Beacon of Hope in the Midst of Despair
I
n the bustling corridors
of our hospital, I’ve borne
witness to extraordinary
resilience during one of our
nation’s most challenging
times. Each
day, I walk
through the
ICU where the
monitors beep
in rhythmic
precision,
where patients
—civilians and
soldiers — fight for their lives.
Our hospital, an emblem
of medical excellence in the
Middle East and the world,
has treated some of the most
critical cases since the start
of the war. We have increased
our capacity — more beds,
advanced equipment and
technologies, and expanded
our dedicated and skilled
staff — all to ensure that we
provide the best possible care.
However, what lingers most
in my mind is not the clinical
precision of our medical staff,
nor our advanced technology,
but the unwavering strength
and palpable spirit of the
families gathered together. In
this darkest hour, they offer
a shining beacon of hope, a
testament to the unbreakable
spirit that defines Israel and
its people.
Our history is riddled with
moments that tested the
strength of our resolve, and
yet, time and again, we have
risen above adversity. Over
the past few months, our
nation has been entrenched
in deep political conflict.
However, in times of crisis,
a remarkable phenomenon
occurs — divisions dissolve,
and a profound unity takes
hold. It is a testament to
the unwavering spirit of the
Jewish people that, in the
face of tragedy, no force can
sever the bonds that bind us
together.
In my attempt to strengthen
patients and families
grappling with the gravest
of circumstances, I found
myself being strengthened
in return. Families and
loved ones of those viciously
attacked exuded a strength
that defies comprehension. In
their eyes, I saw a deep well
of confidence, an unyielding
resilience and a powerful
sense of togetherness. It is
a strength that goes beyond
the physical and delves into
the very essence of the Israeli
spirit.
What strikes me most in
these trying times is the unity
that pervades our society.
Israelis of all backgrounds
and walks of life are standing
shoulder to shoulder. From
parents and families of
soldiers to civilians — those
born in Israel, others who
immigrated from the U.S.
and other countries — the
collective strength of our
people is awe-inspiring.
Together, we sit, we pray
and we bolster the spirits of
our nation, including our
medical staff, giving back
to the dedicated nurses and
doctors who work tirelessly to
save lives.
It is heartening to witness
the spirit of volunteering
that has permeated every
corner of our hospital.
Organizations, youth
groups and individuals alike
converge to offer support in
a myriad of ways — from
providing food, clothing and
electronics to families and
staff to simply being there,
a reassuring presence in a
time of chaos. Volunteers
stay with patients, allowing
families precious moments
of rest and bringing not just
sustenance but also a sense
of normalcy and humanity
to a situation fraught with
pain and uncertainty. It is
a testament to the innate
goodness that exists within
the Israeli people. It is,
however, lamentable that it
takes a crisis like war to bring
out such an outpouring of
generosity and kindness.
Yet, in the sadness of this
necessity, there is also a
glimmer of hope. The spirit of
the people of Israel, with their
generosity and resilience,
strengthens the medical staff,
urging us to continue our
vital work even in the face of
daunting challenges that lie
ahead. We are ready — we
have trained for this moment.
In the coming days, as
we work to expand our
capabilities even further, we
draw inspiration from the
unity, strength and acts of
kindness that define us as a
people.
It is a resilience that refuses
to be broken, a collective will
that declares, unequivocally,
that we will overcome, we will
flourish again and, together,
we will rise. Just as the human
body has an astonishing
capacity to heal, rebuild and
regain its strength, so, too,
does our nation possess the
remarkable ability to mend
its wounds and emerge even
stronger.
The hope, unity and
kindness we see at the
Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, east of Tel Aviv.
I. DAVID SHAY
PURELY COMMENTARY
continued on page 11
Yoel Hareven