help is on the way: american Israelis provieds essntial medical services worldwide during the war and between alarms

Ariel, how did you find this unique position that allows you to work as a nurse from anywhere, including your home, rather than in a hospital setting like you did back in the U.S.?

"I was looking for a nursing job in Israel that wasn't based in a hospital. After four years of nursing school and many years working in crowded, busy emergency rooms, I wanted a significant change in my life while still utilizing my medical expertise.

This job allows me to assist patients during their most vulnerable moments, specifically when they return home after being under constant medical supervision. After a period where a doctor or nurse checked on them multiple times a day, they often feel uncertain about which medication to buy or how to follow discharge orders. For many of them there's no one else to turn to. That’s why I call them, to ensure they get exactly what they need."

If I may ask, how many calls do you make during a typical shift?

"In every eight-hour shift, I make more than 40 calls from a follow-up list provided by hospitals in Baltimore and the state of Maryland. If a patient doesn't answer, I leave a message and try them again later."

Do your callers know where you are calling from, or what might be happening in Israel just before or after you hang up the phone?

"No, they don’t know. But I imagine that after reading this article, they will understand what is happening in Israel these days. They’ll see the complex reality of Israeli essential workers who must set aside their personal worries and fears to ensure discharged patients receive the best care available in their region.

That gives me an extra sense of satisfaction. I know that this work, much like life itself, must and will go on as long as there are people who never give up hope for better days. My team at LifeBridge Health and I continue calling from Israel to provide health services to Americans, often right after we’ve heard the sirens and returned from the shelters."

Ariel, what is your wish for the Israeli and American Jewish communities as Passover approaches?

"My wish for the American and Jewish people before Passover is that this holiday inspires feelings of Geula, true redemption, everywhere."