I cannot understand why all of the potential Palestinian state must be Judenrein (free of Jews), but Israel (a Jewish state) can have Arabs living as citizens and benefiting from jobs, schools, medical care, etc.
I cannot understand the mentality of a media which do not address these inconsistencies over and over again.
Love Comes In All Sizes, Colors
We are comforted by the throngs, from both Israel and the U.S., who come to show they care. Over the years our son has acquired a broad variety of friends, from the most religiously observant to the most adamantly secular, all of whom worry about his situation and pray for his recovery.
A Christian group visiting from South Carolina cries with us and prays. We accept all prayers.
Officers from the Golani brigade in which Steve served for 3 years, his comrades from army reserves who were with him during many battles, police officers with whom he worked at one time, students of his from his present job as a private weapons instructor, friends from ‘The Swamp’ (his earlier hangout) and from Mike’s Place (his present place for rest and relaxation) – all come.
His old friend Adam flew in from the U.S. (with a ticket provided by his friends) to stay at his bedside day after day.
Steve cannot speak yet. He has a tracheotomy and is still on a ventilator. He has a feeding tube in his stomach, splints for his legs and hands, an access tube in his jugular vein for fluid and medicine intake, special compression equipment for his legs (to avoid phlebitis and clots), and a catheter in his bladder. He cannot move his arms or legs at this time.
This is how his four young sons will see him after they are prepared by psychologists to know what to expect. This is what he is aware they will see — a tall, strapping, powerful man whose future is so very uncertain.
And there are the ‘angels’ who come in all shapes, sizes, colors, religions, and tongues. Dr. Sharon Einav (intensive-care physician in charge), who not only uses her superior medical skills to care for our son, but who makes herself available at all times to us despite her strenuous schedule. She is charming, knowledgeable, and dedicated.
Steve’s nurses are Israelis from all cultural backgrounds. Ruth, who covers her head in religious observance, knows exactly what to do and say at any given moment. No matter what the request, she is able and willing.
Ava, from Russia, although rather matter-of-fact at first, showed her soft caring side as time went by.
Nayelah, an Arab, is expert in her nursing care and her humanity. She cried with us at the unexplainable. Her children attend an Arab/Jewish school; her husband worked as a policeman with Steve.
Mohammed, another Arab, is always there caring for Steve, always trying to make him comfortable.
Arit, the head nurse, who does her best to prepare us and the entire family for the future.
I watch people from all cultures giving care and getting care – Jews and non-Jews, Israelis, Arabs, Russians, Ethiopians, Americans, Australians, Brits, etc.
Families wait endlessly for word of their loved ones’ progress while volunteers from several organization pass out sandwiches and hot meals (free). Shabbat meals (also free) are distributed by yet more volunteers for all those staying over at the hospital. A son who comes to say kiddush and havdalah for his father invites us to participate at bedside. The volunteer cleaning people work side by side with the medical and nursing staff (no sign of class distinction here). This is what the news media should be concentrating on.
