Trip to Rambam Hospital

A few days ago I had a phone call from Abu Rami. He managed to get a 2 day permit to enter Israel and wanted to visit his 9 year old nephew who is receiving treatment for leukemia in Rambam hospital in Haifa. Nine year old Mohamed will have to stay in hospital for 8 months. His mother is by his bed side 24/7 but it's difficult for other family members to get permits to visit and help her care for him.

I arrived in Barta'a at 9 am to pick up Abu Rami and another relative, Farhan, and drive them to Haifa. I decided to take the scenic route. Looking out the window, fifty year old Farhan was like a little boy. The joy on his face as we were driving past vineyards and fields was unforgettable, eyes shining, skin glowing. When we got to the coastal highway and the sea was in view, both Abu Rami and Farhan were close to tears. Being cooped up in Barta'a for many years, makes you appreciate things that we take for granted.

Mohamed is a beautiful boy with smart smiling eyes. He was very happy with this rare visit. His mother was able to sit back and relax for a while. It must be difficult for her. Negotiating and communicating with the Hospital staff must be a constant challenge. She doesn't speak Hebrew and most staff don't speak Arabic.

After an hour in Rambam we set off. On the way back to Barta'a we stopped to buy fish and white bread (neither of which is available there). It was getting late but we still had enough time to stop at our place in Zichron for a coffee. Clare and I kept offering Farhan some food and drink but he was unable to touch anything. Still beaming he said: "just sitting here with you is all that I want".