Angels Amongst Us

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Volunteers in Mayanei Hayeshua’s Coronavirus Wards

Although national Covid-19 stats continue to decline, hundreds of coronavirus patients remain hospitalized throughout Israel. For many, loneliness and despondency are as debilitating as the illness itself.

‘Loving care’ and ‘an unwavering commitment to the dignity of life’ is the ethos of Bnei Brak’s Mayanei Hayeshua. And so our volunteers, all of whom have fully recovered from Covid-19, dedicate themselves – in full PPE gear – to bringing hope and comfort to the disheartened souls of the Coronavirus Ward.

Malki, who felt a calling to volunteer, described a patient who for two weeks did little else but stare at the walls. “Sensing his despair and hopelessness I arranged a Zoom call between him and his grandson. The patient, so overwhelmed, couldn’t get a word out, so he started dancing. I realized then the importance of what I’m doing.”

Despite jobs and families of their own, our ‘Corona Angels’ happily sacrifice their own time to bring some lightness into a dire situation. Chaim and Yedidya, who decided to volunteer together, explain the emotional rollercoaster involved. “We feel like we’re part of a large family here. We’re so happy for every patient who leaves here, but it’s really tough to watch those whose condition deteriorates. It breaks your heart.”

The volunteers’ willingness to be there for these otherwise isolated patients—whether to make small-talk, help a man put on his tefillin, video call an elderly woman’s son, even play a little guitar—may seem like just small measures of comfort. But in the bleak reality of the corona ward, it’s everything.

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We are dedicated to world-class medicine, innovative treatment interventions, and the dignity of life. But we are so much more than that. As all patients in Mayanei Hayeshua will tell you; as all members of the hospital staff will demonstrate; and as all visitors to the hospital will experience; Mayanei Hayeshua is infused with genuine, loving care. As an independent community hospital, Mayanei Hayeshua relies almost entirely on the support of our generous donors.

Thank you for visiting the new website of the International Friends of Mayanei Hayeshua the charitable arm of a unique Israeli community hospital