As the one-year anniversary of the October 7^th terrorist attack in Israel approaches, I find myself reflecting on the unforgettable time I spent in the Holy Land witnessing the aftermath of horrifying atrocities as an active member of ZAKA International, the Israel-based rescue and recovery organization with over 3,000 volunteers who are on call 24/7 to respond to terror attacks, disasters and accidents.

As a Senior Occupational Therapist (OT) at the NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospital, where I treat neurological and orthopedic patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, I’m charged with constantly thinking on my toes and helping people dealing with an array of issues to live a more independent and purposeful life. After graduating from Touro’s School of Health Sciences, I was prepared to use the skills I learned in the classroom. I feel like it’s my calling to give back to others and need and do what I can to help, particularly in times of emergency.

It was a privilege to travel to Israel as an active ZAKA member from October 28 through November 6, 2023. Immediately following the terrorist attack, each ZAKA member’s duty was to travel to places where Jews were killed and collect all the blood, tissue, and body parts to have them buried properly in accordance with Jewish Law. It was physically, spiritually, and emotionally challenging and taxing, yet I’m truly grateful that I was given the opportunity to do my part to help the Jewish community and give respect to the dead.  From the second that I sat down on the plane to head home, I felt compelled to go back to Israel to do more. 

A few weeks later, I heard about an organization called the Emergency Volunteer Program that was recruiting OTs and physical therapists from the U.S to volunteer at a rehabilitation hospital for two weeks. They covered the costs of the licensing in Israel as well as the flights, the hotel, and even the taxi to and from the airport. I jumped at the chance to go back to Israel once I got my wife and children’s seal of approval. While I had no idea what to expect, I was excited.

On my first day at the ADI Negev Rehabilitation Hospital, I mostly observed my new surroundings and had some treatment time mixed in. The Adi Negev campus spans 40 acres, consisting of numerous buildings that house an array of treatment providers as well as animals to use for therapy such as horse and goats, Koi ponds, roosters, turtles, and beautiful walking paths. I was happy to learn, teach, and work every second I was there. I’m certified in two types of Neuromuscular Taping, a therapeutic tool used in the prevention of and in the active treatment of many conditions requiring self-healing. After explaining the countless benefits of this tool to my fellow colleagues on the ground, although it was not part of their initial treatment methods, it quickly became a go-to option. Patients I treated included wounded Israeli soldiers, victims of terrorist attacks and even people who had suffered from strokes. One commonality they all shared—an overwhelming amount of appreciation for the volunteers after finding out that we had travelled to Israel for a short period just to treat them. 

The therapist/patient relationship at the rehab hospital was more powerful than anything I have ever seen throughout my career. When patients who were there for catastrophic injuries saw that a therapist was stressed out or having a difficult time dealing with his or her own personal life, they would bring them a simple token like an apple from their lunch, purchase them something from a vending machine, or just give them a hug to show their deep gratitude for their assistance. On numerous occasions, I would see staff members staying after work hours just to spend time with their patients because they knew they needed it. Taking that extra step to be present when they were not being paid for their time and choosing to go above and beyond as an act of kindness made all the difference in the world for these patients’ outlook on recovery. 

Additionally, I joined a group of fellow therapists who would regularly travel to Israeli army bases across the country to treat active-duty soldiers. This experience was incredible as I was able to meet many people whose paths I would never have crossed, and I learned to use a different part of my therapeutic toolbox that I don’t usually get to leverage. With my deep understanding of anatomy and functional movement, I performed deep tissue manipulation, trigger point and neuromuscular taping. I was the 26^th volunteer therapist to visit Israel during this troubling time, and there is a line of other therapists just waiting their turn to cross the country’s borders to assist people in need. 

After my first trip in October, which was so challenging in nearly every way, this trip was not only rewarding and uplifting, but served as a reminder of just how important OTs are to the overall recovery process. I can’t wait to head back to Israel to help again soon!