For many dentists, volunteering at DVI is a family tradition that passes from father to daughter or mother to son; often, they come together for the first time. Toronto dentists Drs Steven and Ephram Kazman volunteered together for the first time in August of 2023; a dream long in coming for Steven, who has strongly supported DVI for decades in every way imaginable. But sometimes, carrying on that family tradition takes a little longer.
Dr. Noy Butboul Goetschel studies dentistry at Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, and is at DVI as part of her residency program, gaining experience. She approached Dr. Roy Petel, the clinical director of DVI and explained that her grandfather had volunteered at DVI from France many times in the early years of the clinic. Noy has fond childhood memories of her grandfather telling stories of his time volunteering in Israel at the DVI clinic for underprivileged children. Going through dental school, Noy didn’t think much about these memories, however, when she was sent to DVI through her residency program, she started putting two and two together and realized that she was about to come full circle with her grandfather’s journey years prior. Noy visited with her grandmother who confirmed her memories and even remembered the address of the clinic, Mekor Chaim 29. Together, they found certificates of appreciation that her grandfather, Fernand Butboul received for his volunteer efforts as well as photos of him at the clinic.
Fernand was born in Sous Tunisia and studied dentistry in France. He was involved in Alpha Omega in France and ran prevention programs for children. Noy also recalls that he was a real Zionist who was very active in fundraising for DVI and other Israeli causes. Fernand loved his profession, especially enjoying connections that he made with the children and elderly patients that he treated. Focusing on prevention for children was very important to him.
Noy was born in Israel but grew up in France. At the age of 21, she moved back to Israel. At the clinic, Noy asked if by chance we might have old photos that she could look at to try and find a photo with her grandfather. Noy looked through several albums and was successful in finding several photos of her grandfather, and she was elated to realize that she was doing practical work in the same clinic that her grandfather spent time volunteering at, and continuing her family’s tradition, decades later, of improving quality of life for low-income families in Jerusalem.
Noy is pictured in front of the Wall of Honor, at DVI. Noy and her grandfather Fernand Butboul are perfect examples of the everyday heroes who bless our clinic on a daily basis.