In the weeks since October 7th, DVI invited and has been flooded with Israelis displaced by the war to Jerusalem. Volunteer dentists, brave and determined to do some good, have had the opportunity to do restorative dentistry, and provide some relief from suffering, some tangible, physical care that they would not otherwise receive.
Sarah is a sweet 75 year old woman who was so grateful to find out about DVI’s offer, and be quickly seen at the DVI clinic after experiencing tooth pain and sensitivity for a few weeks. Sarah is from Moshav Yachini which is 7 km from the Gaza border and has been staying at a Jerusalem hotel since she was evacuated. Sarah’s resilience is incredible, and she is full of faith even though she is very shaken and concerned about what is happening in Israel. Sarah’s family, including her 6 year old grandson lived in fear in the safe room of her home for 3 days until the army came and rescued them. At one point while they were hiding, they heard very loud banging on their door. She told her husband not to answer the door and eventually the loud banging stopped. Sarah explained that her grandson is still terrified of even light knocking on the door, as he remembers the fear and tension of that day.
Sarah really misses the routine of her life in Yachini, her home, cooking, going for walks freely without being afraid and her friends. Yesterday, Sarah visited the south to attend a shiva, and recounted that the sirens and rockets were non-stop. So even though she misses her home, she realizes that being in Jerusalem now is the best place for her and her family. Although she is a woman of faith, she understands the deep implications of war, the terrible plight of the hostages and their families. While she waited for her turn to see the dentist, Sarah sat and read psalms and prayed for the safety of our soldiers and our hostages.