Perhaps the most beautiful angel of all is Barbara Goldstein, executive director of Hadassah in Israel, who virtually adopts us and is responsible for whatever peace of mind we might have. Barbara runs interference for us when something is needed – obtaining a piece of equipment that seemed unobtainable, for example – and watches over us by taking us out for a breather during the long watch. Barbara is available at any time of the day or night to meet whatever needs we might have. There is no problem too small or too large that she cannot handle and solve in minutes by a simple phone call or two. She has become part of our family.
There are many who have touched our lives in the weeks since May 18: Marlene Post, past president of Hadassah; Ron Krumer, director of external relations of Hadassah; Audrey Shimron, Barbara Goldstein’s associate; Barbara Sofer, director of public relations; Barbara Hanoch, Hadassah social worker; Osnat Moskowitz, director of the donor department; Leah Reison, director of Youth Aliyah; and others, too numerous to mention, associated with either government agencies or voluntary organizations.
I am a life member of Hadassah. My job and involvement with my family have prevented me from becoming very active, but we can clearly see what the organization has done for people irrespective of origin or ethnic background.
We are humbled by this outpouring of love and a true desire to assist our family in our time of sorrow and need, and are forever indebted to all the wonderful people who have touched our lives.
People ask us whether we plan to bring Steve home. Steve is home. As a medical family, we cannot imagine a place where Steve would receive better care. What country in the world has more experienced physicians and nurses in the field of trauma management? We are in awe of their skill and caring. We will therefore be traveling to Israel frequently in the immediate future.
