The aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti is still coming into focus. The daily news reports the devastation on the ground. We see the desperate lives of people fending for themselves, rummaging for food and shelter, and seeking medical help. It tears at our hearts and souls. Americans have responded generously with extraordinary amounts of goods and money. Troops, ships and planes are arriving with capable personnel and mass quantities of food, water, and medical supplies. The world has grown accustomed to America’s commitment to serve humanity in times of natural disasters. What the world has not always known in times of natural disasters is the remarkable response of the people of Israel.
Surely, you have seen on the news or read in the paper about Israel’s unprecedented level of aid to the people of Haiti. As of January 20th, only days after the earthquake, Israel set up field hospitals to serve various levels of medical care. In the very short time they have been in Haiti, it is reported that 367 patients have been cared for in Israel’s field hospitals; 104 life-saving operations have been performed; 44 patients are currently hospitalized; and 7 babies have been born in the hospital. The description of the level of sophistication and readiness in the Israeli field hospitals is simply extraordinary.
To express pride in a time of tragedy is totally inappropriate. The Israeli personnel arrived in Haiti to do only one thing: a mitzvah. “Pikuah nefesh,” to save a life is the greatest deed a person can do. Judaism sees this world not as a depot before arriving at another destination or a pathway to a better place; rather Judaism sees life as God’s blessing, and it is only in life that a mitzvah (a commandment) can be performed. It drives the Jewish spirit to pursue life-giving deeds, occupations, and responses to anything that threatens life and humanity. Israelis know this better than anyone else. American Jews know it, too, but we don’t live on the border of life-threatening issues and people who want to kill us. In Israel, preparation for life-threatening events has been part of the reason that the Land and its people have survived. And, may I add, they have done more than thrive. Do you know another nation that has accomplished as much in 60 years?
Israel has gifted to the Haitian people, with no expectation for anything in return, a part of the spirit that lives in them. In every field hospital and in every operation performed by life-saving hands they share their spirit that says, “Choose life!” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
In a world where hate spews over borders with Israel, and suicide-bombers take lives rather than save them, Israelis have an indomitable spirit. It’s reflected in an uncommon level of courage and self-sacrifice that gives life to people in Haiti on the brink of death, and hope to people on the brink of despair. I don’t have the skills to do what Israeli personnel are doing in Haiti this week. But, I do share their spirit and so do you. As an American, I’m grateful to American personnel who demonstrate our values as a nation. As a Jew, I’m profoundly moved and deeply impressed by the wherewithal that flows from a tiny nation that has so little for itself and so much to give to others.
I know that you have given money and goods to Haiti, because they need everything desperately. I hope you’ll join me in giving generously to Israel, too, to replenish their supplies and their resources. They’ll need them in the future to help themselves during times of upheaval, and now we know, as does the world, that they’ll be ready to stand with anyone on earth who struggles to choose life.
From my family to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
_________________________________________________
Contact Rabbi Lyon