I have been planning to be a doctor for as long as I can remember.  Consequently, when I decided to come to Israel for the summer the Magen David Adom Overseas Volunteer Program seemed like the natural choice for me.  I didn’t realize at the time that this seemingly obvious decision would likely change my life.

Like most others who planned to come to Israel in 2002, I was urged by friends and family not to come here at such an unstable time.  I was confronted with quizzical stares, many questions and pleas to stay in Canada “Where it’s safe”.  My response to everyone was the same- if I’m coming to Israel to help Israelis and support my Jewish homeland, why would I come at any other time?  You go to help people when and where they need help.  To me it’s that simple.  MDA gave me the unique opportunity to not only fulfill my desire to help in Israel, but also gave me so much more.

While volunteering with MDA I saw and experienced many things for the first time.  I was confronted with death and mere days later was fortunate enough to help with the miracle of birth. I have helped treat sick and injured people from Russia, France, the United States and of course Israel.  I have held the hands of countless patients who let me know with a nod or a weak smile that my being there for them was invaluable.  I have not only learned a great deal about first-aid, medicine and compassion, but also about tolerance and different cultures.  My teachers in these areas have ranged from doctors and medics to patients and bystanders.  I feel like I have learned more this summer from the people around me than I could in years in a classroom.

While working on the ambulances for MDA was an unforgettable experience on its own, it was made even more amazing by the atmosphere of working and living in Eretz Israel among Israelis, new Olim and other Jews from the Diaspora.  In addition to the lifelong ties and friendships that I have forged with other volunteers, working closely with Israelis has allowed me to get to know them and explore our differences and many similarities. Over the summer I was often thanked and congratulated by Israelis for merely coming here at this time.  Truthfully, however, I just feel extremely fortunate to have had this opportunity to be in Israel.

My experiences with MDA have further cemented my commitment to both medicine and Israel.  It is said that when you save one life, it is as if you save the entire world.  The MDA Overseas Volunteer program has not only afforded me that extraordinary opportunity, but has also largely contributed to one of the best and certainly most unforgettable summers of my life.

Gillian Dolansky

Canada