01/12/2024
I arrived in Jerusalem on November 15, the war had been going on for over a month. The hostages have not been found and the war is grinding on. I felt the need to be with people that I love and share with them at this time of need. I bought a ticket to come to Israel and help. The DVI clinic has been functioning since October 7th. Many of the clinic volunteer dentists postponed their plans because of flight cancellations. I was just happy to be there to help fill- in and be useful. What is truly amazing is that the clinic was founded to treat any children without regard to race, religion or ethnic origin. Today the clinic demographics are very different.
My first patient was a Thai worker from the south that had his community evacuated as a result of the Hamas terror attacks. It hit home very hard.
Obviously, the narrative is very real here - The pain is more intense, the stories of heroism and suffering are incredible and there is a collective sadness that permeates every interaction.
Everyone I meet whole heartedly appreciates me for being here to listen to them and give them a hug….something that small has a great significance right now. We are all praying together for the hostages, for the soldiers and for the families who lost loved ones on October 7. There is a strong feeling of hope here . Hope for the end of the war, hope that the hostages will be safely returned, hope that there will lasting peace and all the suffering will end for everyone. There is also hope for lasting peace once and for all.
I am happy to be a part of an organization that still stands for the principles of healing. I asked my assistant Michal what the founder of the clinic, Trudi Birger would say now, if she were here to witness this event. Her answer was “there is always a light and we must continue to keep it burning brightly.”
I know we have all been asked to support various organizations during this crisis. DVI continues to rely on support for the world community to provide this care to the underprivileged.
If you are a dentist, a dental patient or just interested in dentistry, please join us this Tuesday, January 16, 2024 for an evening Zoom lecture featuring Dr. David Thomas. Dr. Thomas is an Oral Facial Pain Specialist. His lecture will be super informative and your donation of $180 will help support the clinic.
Thank You.
LINK https://americanfriendsofdvi.org/event/oralfacial-pain-the-12th-specialty/
