Neri Livneh – Haaretz Supplement – January 6, 2023

Given the atmosphere of these new times, I was a little apprehensive at the thought that the examination that the orthopedic physician had sent me to do, was going to be performed at the Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center.  My apprehension was due to the fact that this is a medical center located in Bnei Brak, the largest ultra-Orthodox city.  What is more, it is a maternity hospital, which they say is excellent, but that part of my life concerned with having children is over for me and the most I can think about is the birth of grandchildren.

In the course of my long life, I have had the opportunity to visit Bnei Brak on perhaps five occasions.

The fifth time was last Saturday, was New Year’s Day and Saturday, which means there were no taxis to be had.

A friend drove me to the Medical Center.  Mayanei Hayeshua is a beautiful medical center and even more beautiful is the way they treat patients, even those who come there to undergo tests.  The receptionist at the MRI institute was incredibly nice, and the wait in line lasted less than ten minutes.  The test took another ten minutes.  The technicians were also friendly and accommodating, and the entire experience completely different from that of a visit to any other emergency room at another hospital, like Ichilov, for example.

“Rachel Levana?” the Mayanei Hayeshua technician asked me.  “No,” I told him with a smile, “I’m Neri Livneh.  Just like like labaneh.”  I lied, gracefully!  ” I do so love some labaneh with olive oil, and you’ve made me hungry” (I can’t help it but I always flatter every paramedical worker).  “I have some here, would you like some, there’s pita too?” he said.  “After the test I would love some”, I told him.  And true to his word, when I exited the test, he gave me a pita with labaneh and olive oil and said “Enjoy it in good health, Rachel.”