REMEMBERING MAYAR –
Mid-June, seven of the HWB volunteers went to express our condolences to the family of Mayar in Masscha. At age two-and-a-half, Mayar sadly died. It had been heartrending to see the gradual deterioration of this really beautiful, bright-eyed child. We were greeted by Shireen, Mayar’s mother (holding her year-old daughter), her husband and his father. Inside, low tables were covered with an enormous variety of food and drink−offered with great warmth and generosity. Shireen seemed transformed, sad, but rested, open and smiling. The father-in-law, who speaks excellent Hebrew, enabled easy communication, and we spoke of many things relating to their lives. Later they showed us around their small garden of fruit trees. The visit, while full of joy, was also a farewell to Shireen, as she no longer needs our services. Let us hope the newborn daughter can look forward to a completely healthy life.
Judy Orstav
LIVING WITH CORONA
From the early days of the outbreak of Covid-19 onwards, it was paramount that safety comes first. We were aware that our volunteers, young and old alike, have a high risk of infection. Still, the danger is significantly greater for people over 60. We therefore encouraged the older volunteers to take a break, until the situation improves. Volunteers who continued to drive, had to understand the full implications of the risks, and take all the necessary precautions. Indeed, many of our volunteers, with a heavy heart, temporarily retired from active duty. This substantially increased the need for the use of taxis. To meet the extra costs, we held an internal fund-raising event among volunteers and supporters. The response was phenomenal. In addition, a group of six young volunteers joined our forces. Most of them were referred to us by “The Road to Recovery”, which had then ceased operations. The new volunteers picked up the gauntlet to help us out during this difficult time.
In mid-March, the Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahur areas were isolated by the Palestinian Authority. Thus, the children requiring medical attention would not be able to get to the hospitals in Jerusalem. To overcome this problem, with the support of Project Rozana, Augusta Victoria Hospital accommodated all children undergoing dialysis treatment in a hotel in East Jerusalem, and also took care of their transportation to and from the hospital. This arrangement was in place until mid-May when the restrictions were eased.
HWB assisted in this effort as well. We purchased toys, games and arts and crafts materials that were received with great joy by the children.
In preparation for Eid al-Fitr, several of our volunteers, in keeping with the holiday tradition of charity and helping those in need, raised funds for the families we assist. The pandemic has plunged many families into dire financial distress A generous sum was given to 21 families which certainly brightened their holiday.
In spite of the continuing spread of Covid-19, a hard-core of our volunteers has returned to activity and these people, on a daily basis, are assisting the families.
A NOTE FROM ABIR, SHAHED’S MOTHER
In my name and in the name of all the patients in Augusta Victoria Hospital, we wish to thank all the volunteers of Humans without Borders who supported us and stood beside us during this difficult ordeal, with an evening meal during Ramadan, and a gift over the Eid [holiday] .
We thank you very much for the gift, but your presence and your continuous support are the most beautiful gifts of all. I hope you remain healthy and in good spirits, as always. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
HAMZA
In the beginning of June, eight-year-old Hamza died. From the age of three, he suffered from cancer. For a while it seemed that he was recovering, but then the little boy fell ill again. For the last two years, we drove the family regularly for his treatments.
Hamza was a captivating, beautiful blue-eyed boy, always smiling, polite and full of joy. He conquered the hearts of all the volunteers who took him in their car. Requests in the application for drivers for Hamza were always quickly answered. Even on the most difficult days he would greet you when getting in the car, and when getting off, he would not forget to say “thank you”.
Hamza spent the last week of his life in hospital, together with his parents, but without his older brothers, who were not allowed to cross the checkpoint. We, the most involved volunteers, tried to make their days as easy as possible. We visited, bought them fruit, and took the father to buy groceries. One evening, a few days before Hamza’s death, his father called me. “You said you would do anything for Hamza? So, he has asked for pizza and a burger.” Half an hour later, Judith and I arrived with hot pizza and three burgers. Hamza took a few bites only but smiled and was pleased with the attention. The other day we arrived again with a packet of sweets. Hamza barely responded, but still tried to smile.
Hamza knew he was going to die. He was not afraid, instead, he had his own expectations of heaven, hoping that there would be a Play Station waiting for him.
We loved Hamza and felt deeply connected to him and his family. His death caused us pain and sorrow, but the knowledge that we were able to help the family in the most difficult moments, gives us strength and motivates us to assist the other children, hoping that they will recover.
Yael Moav
New Phone app
Humans without Borders is developing a telephone application that will considerably improve communications with and between Palestinian families and volunteer drivers, and thus improve conveyance of the children. We have designed an automated telephone app for both volunteers and the families of sick children. Our computer-based application has proved itself to be quite efficient for the self-registration of volunteers for trips, but it cannot be used on a Smartphone nor can it be accessed by Palestinians. The system will be web-based and have the look-and-feel of the WhatsApp interface which our volunteers presently use. We look forward to mumbling, grumbling and, eventually, a real improvement in communications.
WHO ARE OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS?
In this newsletter: Yael Moav, aged 58, born and raised in Jerusalem, mother of two grown children.
How do/did you earn a living?
I am a tour guide. I finished the professional course a couple of years ago and decided to make my new occupation an instrument of activism. Currently I am involved with Ir Amim, a non-profit political foundation that focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Jerusalem. In addition, I am working for Mejdi Tours. Each of the tourist groups of Mejdi is led by both a Palestinian and an Israeli guide, and this allows participants to get acquainted with both narratives. It is a challenging and fascinating job, that first of all allows me to meet Palestinians as colleagues. Finally, I am an active member of the “Friends of Jahalin”, a support group for the Bedouins of the Adumim area. We have initiated a project called “Beautiful Doll” wherein we help the women to make and sell traditional dolls, thereby contributing to family incomes. How long have you been involved with HWB: 6 years.
Why HWB?
Being active in HWB means not only saving lives, but also trying to build bridges of understanding and peace between Israeli’s and Palestinians.
What do you do as volunteer?
I drive children to and from the hospitals at least one a week. Furthermore, I am one of four coordinators of the NGO. On certain days each week I am responsible for the shuttle schedule, as well as for the contact with and between the families and the drivers. As an Arabic speaker I easily communicates with the Palestinian families, to make sure all goes well.
What is the importance of volunteering for you?
In these difficult times that we find ourselves, it is unacceptable to sit at home and stay passive. Through volunteering, I manage to slightly ease the burden of guilt that I carry with me, confronted with the suffering amongst the Palestinians as a result of the occupation. Through volunteering I am offering my already grown-up children a different and better model of co-existence, not to mention the actual encounters with the families and the children, that completely capture my heart.
What are the challenges? The most difficult challenge is finding the time to speak with the families. Sometimes they call me while I am at work. In that case, I apologize to my clients and take the call. As far as the shuttles are concerned, you can imagine that it is much more agreeable to stay at home, instead of getting up early to be at the checkpoint on time. But I feel an obligation and I go out, even when it is not convenient.
How would you describe HWB?
HWB is a marvelous organization that is building strong, close personal ties between two peoples. In our NGO, Israelis meet Palestinians at a most vulnerable point, namely in the care of their sick children. For the Palestinian families, we, the volunteers, represent the beautiful and human side that exists in every people, including the Israeli people.
To help us help the children, go to: http://www.humans-without-borders.org/donate/
To help us help the children, go to: http://www.humans-without-borders.org/donate/
