In Memory of My Friend and MDA Mentor - Yochai Porat A"H

by Moshe Kupfer

 

I mourn and cry over the loss of a beloved mentor,

He was my teacher, my friend, my educator,

Sgt.-Major Yochai Porat of the Israeli Defense Forces,

Co-ordinator of the N. American Magen David Adom Volunteer Courses.

 

In the face of grave danger and potential death,

Magen David Adom medics rush in to save lives,

Risking their own physical and mental well-being,

In their efforts that each of their patients survives.

 

Ironically Yochai was felled by a coward's bullet,

A sniper hiding smugly in the hills,

A beast full of hate, with no purpose in life,

But wasting the unlimited potential of those he kills.

 

Last summer I volunteered and trained under Yochai,

He was serious, AND funny - an out-going kind of guy,

He had a wealth of knowledge - which he gladly shared,

He wanted his students to succeed - he genuinely cared.

 

Under Yochai's leadership, the MDA Volunteer Program expanded,

He supplied time, effort and diplomacy - whatever was demanded,

He personally taught first aid to the "green" volunteers,

Instilling confidence in our abilities - and dispelling our fears.

 

Showing us how to set a sprain, stop a bleed - restart a heart,

How to calm the hysterical - to reassure the distraught,

He carefully assigned each volunteer to the right MDA station,

And instilled in all of us a love for the nation.

 

On March 03, I called Yochai to ask a question, knowing he could give me a sage suggestion,

Little did I know, his laugh, smile and life was already taken,

In my tears, I thought, NO, they must be mistaken!

 

My friend, Yochai, Come on answer your phone!

I need your advice - not an unanswered dial-tone!

Many of us are returning to MDA to train further under you,

Yochai, Yochai - What are we going to do???

 

Yochai Porat was more than a medic, much more than an administrator,

He was a counsellor, a guide, a friend, an educator,

A true son of Israel - a priceless asset to his nation,

His loss to us all - is beyond estimation.

 

Moshe Kupfer