It was a shattering story that could have ended in tragedy—were it not for the intervention of special people who cared enough to do the impossible.
*Mike, a father of a large family, was popular and well loved in his community. He successfully ran a network of respected kindergartens and elementary schools, until he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, after not feeling right for a few days. The doctors, in realistic pessimism, gave up from the outset, and issued dire predictions, telling his family that it was a matter of weeks. A second and third opinion echoed this view.
In full awareness of his terrible situation, Mike heroically set to work putting the reins of his institutions into other reliable hands. He asked forgiveness from friends and dear ones, told his older children what was happening, then devoted himself to non-stop Torah study and prayer, 24/7, in frightening anticipation of his imminent passing.
Rabbi Chananya Chollak, International Chairman of Ezer Mizion got wind of the situation and refused to accept the bitter prognosis dictated by the doctors
Rabbi Chollak immediately asked Rabbi Shimon Rogoway, Director of Ezer Mizion’s Medical Referral Department, for his help. Against all odds, and in the face of the Israeli doctors’ unwavering prognosis of “no hope,” Rabbi Rogoway searched the globe for a medical center that might have a solution for the patient.
Following painstaking research, Rabbi Rogoway reached a medical center in Australia that offered an option for an urgent treatment that he thought might save Mike’s life.
From that moment on, it was a mad race against the clock. A special “command post” was set up at Ezer Mizion’s headquarters to coordinate the mission.
The immediate problem was that neither the patient nor his family and necessary medical escorts had visas that would allow them to enter Australia. A quick calculation showed that five visas were necessary before they could make the flight. Ordinarily, arranging such a visa can take weeks, but here, where every moment could mean the difference between life and death; speed was of the utmost urgency.
Rabbi Chollak pulled Yaakov Litzman, Deputy Minister of Israel’s Health Ministry, into the picture. Litzman spoke to Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who promptly contacted the Australian Ambassador to Israel, Ms. Andrea Faulkner, who issued instructions to her people at the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv to expedite the matter. The flight was given the status of an emergency medical trip, which included medical staff for close supervision and maintenance of the patient. Unbelievably, within 24 hours, all the visas were ready.
It never could have happened were it not for the collaborative efforts of Rabbi Chollak, Shimon Rogoway, Australian connections at the Medical Center, government figures, and the Ambassador who all united to save this man’s life. The visas were issued thanks to the remarkably efficient and gracious assistance rendered by Mr. Abdullah Azar, Immigration Officer and Manager of the Visa, Immigration and Citizenship section at the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv.
Once the stunned family members received their visas, Rogoway and his staff charged full speed ahead to make it all happen: plane tickets and a special medical staff were arranged and the patient was rushed to the airport.
When Mike and his family arrived at the airport, they were still in a daze from the nerve racking drama that had taken place over the last few days.
On the Australia bound flight, all involved joined in a prayer of hope that the patient’s life would be saved.
As soon as the plane touched ground, the patient was rushed to the Medical Center where he underwent a 20 hour operation. Just weeks after he was given an unequivocal “no hope” prognosis, Mike’s tumor was removed completely. He was released from the hospital a week after surgery and was sent home, where he is slowly recovering.
Recently Mr. Azar visited Ezer Mizion to delve into the workings of the organization that wouldn’t accept no for an answer. As part of the tour, he met with Mike, his wife and five-week old baby. The family was able to express their heartfelt gratitude. “I just need a few more weeks to recover, and I will soon continue to fill my Friday afternoon Ezer Mizion volunteering slot,” Mike said with a smile. “It is time for me to get back on the giving end!”
For further information please visit: www.ezermizion.org.
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*Mike’s name was changed to protect his identity.
