Strength in Unity - Israel's Compassionate Response to Crisis
It is heartwarming to witness everyone, even with small gestures, coming together to lend a hand and contribute. Right now, everyone is united. This instills in me the belief that, despite the challenges and the war, we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Israel together. And we will.
Oded, a widowed father of two from Kibbutz Magal Michael, plays a pivotal role in NATAN's humanitarian efforts as the Head of Logistics. Beyond his impactful role with NATAN, Oded's day-to-day life in the kibbutz involves managing the kibbutz's small businesses, overseeing approximately 40 ventures. His responsibilities extend to aiding business managers and assisting individuals seeking to establish new enterprises. His organizational skills propelled him into volunteering for NATAN in 2016. Since then, he has been instrumental in constructing and equipping clinics and has led missions to aid those in need in various parts of the world, including Serbia, Greece, Haiti, Mozambique, and Poland. Oded is now actively involved in his home country, Israel, as NATAN operates medical and dental clinics at centers for survivors of the October 7th invasion and massacre in the towns and villages along the Gaza border. Three clinics have been established in key locations: Shefayim Kibbutz, The Dead Sea, and Eilat.
In Oded’s words:
On a single day in October, just two weeks after the massacre in Southern Israel, I visited approximately 15 hotels in Ein Bokek. Each hotel—whether hosting members of Kibbutz Be’eri, people from Saad, residents of Sderot, or individuals from Ofakim—echoed the unique characteristics of the communities from which its guests originated.
At the hotel Ein Bokek, with a mountain view and the Dead Sea before me, I finally had a moment to sit quietly, take in the air, breathe and observe the surrounding. An absurd and unfathomable sight unfolded. Families and children filled the pool area and the hot baths, jacuzzi, and spa bustled with activity. Children ran wild in the lobby, imbuing the space with a lively atmosphere that characterizes Israel. The weekly activity program included social events, circus performances, games, pilates in a yoga pool, and more. Additionally, help was offered in different formats such as emotional therapy, a psychological lecture for parents, coping sessions, medical and dental clinics, scheduled hours for prayer in the synagogue and distributions of clothing, equipment, treats, and pet food.
Fleeting moments of hope and normality amidst a different reality
For those spending time at these all-inclusive hotels, this isn't precisely their holiday routine. A woman told me that she hadn't left Sderot for 34 years before this. It might appear like a vacation momentarily, but in reality, these people have come from areas of death and terror. I can only imagine how challenging it must be for the evacuees to be here in these circumstances.
So, I sat down and tried to grasp the enormity of this event and then it hit me: It felt just like the transit camps with Syrian refugees in Serbia, just as it was with Ukrainian refugees in Poland, and now it is here in my home in Israel. It's us. Everyone speaks Hebrew; it's in Israel, and it's us. We even call it "home" for them. But, they really are refugees – refugees in their own country. Seeing the sadness on their faces, I witnessed rows of desks at the entrance with clothes and shoes—everything they could get after fleeing their homes with nothing. It unfolded much like the refugee camps I've seen worldwide, and it really shocked me. “Can you believe it?”, I asked myself. It's here, at home, and it is similar to refugee camps I had seen everywhere.
Israel's solidarity and unity shines through the darkness
We have incredible people in Israel; everyone does what they can to help, and it comes straight from the heart. It's heartwarming to witness everyone, even with small gestures, coming together to lend a hand and contribute. Right now, everyone is united. This instills in me the belief that, despite the challenges and the war, we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Israel together. And we will.
