By Nikunj Bhatt

 
I am a 28 year-old American from Dayton, Ohio of Indian and Hindu heritage with no cultural or historical roots to Israel - yet for a long time I have felt connected to Israel.  I first became aware of Israel on my 13th birthday when my uncle took me to the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.  At the Taj Mahal that day was Shimon Peres, then foreign minister of Israel, on a diplomatic excursion to India.  According to one rabbi met during my stay in Israel who I told this story, the encounter with Mr. Peres was my bar mitzvah, and I was destined to come to Israel.  Since that time, I have read profusely about the young democracy, the perseverance of its people through epic stories of war and peace with leaders like Theodore Herzl, Ze'ev Jabotinsky, David Ben-Gurion, Moshe Dayan, Golda Meir, and Yitzhak Rabin among many others.   These have been men and women with characters and visions similar to Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John and Abigail Addams, and Benjamin Franklin.  I also read about Israel's ancient history and archeology.  In many ways, Israel was unique in that it could claim a history that was both 60+ year old and 4000+ years old.  Every square mile has a story to tell and every square mile matters.  So when the opportunity arose to come to Israel to do an elective in medicine in Israel as a graduating medical student at Wright State University, I did not hesitate. 
 
During my month, there were many excellent things I got to witness occurring at the hospital.  I had the opportunity to work in the departments of Endocrinology, Dermatology, Pediatric Nephrology, and Diagnostic Radiology.  I got to see first-hand the excellent on-going clinical trials at the institute, see patients with diseases that are virtually non-existent in the United States, attend excellent lectures, and partake in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with complicated diseases.  I also had the chance to take a tour of the hospital and get perspectives on new technology that is being implemented and hear about the vision for the future of the hospital and its expanding role in the community.  I discovered that the Western Galilee Hospital is not just ready for defense with its cutting edge emergency preparedness in times of unfortunate disasters and wars, but it leads the way for peace with its embrace of diversity in its administration, physicians, staff, and patients.  The connection to the Western Galilee community by embracing diversity and providing a welcoming environment to all that walk through its doors is the true strength of Naharia Hospital.
 
During my month in Israel I have had the added honor of meeting incredible people doing amazing work.  There is a spirit - or rou-akh - in many of the people I have met here.  These are people with passion for their work, passion for their country, and belief in a better life regardless of religious or cultural background.  The hospitality I have experience with Naharians and Israelis - including strangers off the street - with a flurry of invitations to Shabbats, lunches and dinners has been immense.
 
I would personally like to thank Dr. Hazani, Dr. Ofri, Dr. Bitterman, Dr. Weissman, Dr. Nasser, and Dr. Loberant for taking the time to expose me to their work and teach me.  I would also like to thank Dr. Masad Barhoum, director of the Western Galilee Hospital, Mrs. Judith Jochnowitz with Partnership 2000, Dr. Simone Sofian of the Greater Dayton Jewish Federation, and Dr. Barbara Schuster (a former Wright State University professor), who all made this exchange possible.  It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to have come to Israel and be at this wonderful hospital.  I hope for future exchanges and trips and a continued sharing of knowledge and resources.  I aspire for the opportunity to reciprocate the kindness and hospitality that has welcome me so warmly.  I may not have roots in Israel, but I can now claim branches that extend to her. 

Shalom and Toda Raba!  - Nikunj Bhatt