IV. In Memoriam

A. A Profound Loss  ($8,598.49)

Our relationship with so many of our Mitzvah heroes is frequently very personal and close. In truth, we see many of them as extensions of our own immediate family. With that in mind, it was a deep personal loss to all of us who work on behalf of Ziv when we learned of the sudden death of Trudi Birger, the driving force behind Dental Volunteers in Israel (DVI) and the Romema Project. We knew Trudi for many years and always looked forward to our visits and our e-mail communications. Trudi’s unique way of expressing herself made it very difficult to say “no” to her when asked to help her solve a particular problem or respond to an immediate need. How do you say “no” to someone so filled with energy and life that it almost literally radiates from her very body? How does one say “no” to a woman who was plucked from the doors of the crematoria in Nazi Germany, defied every threat to her life and lived to make her way to Israel where she established herself with distinction as she pursued her own special Tikkun Olam? You cannot — and, in truth, you still cannot — even though Trudi is no longer with us. In her stead is her beloved husband, Zev. Her devoted companion for many, many years, Zev carries on Trudi’s vision by continuing to help “Trudi’s families” in Jerusalem’s poor Romema neighborhood.

For these indigent people, Trudi was, and Zev continues to be, a lifesaver. We know that the funds that we give are used for the most basic needs. In winter, it can be space heaters, the fuel that runs them, or blankets and warm coats. In the fall, school supplies are critical. When we last saw Trudi, she shared with us that she had helped more than 250 children during the 36 years of her work. Today they are lawyers, teachers, professionals…all because Trudi cared and provided them with the tools to better themselves and break the cycle of poverty that enveloped their families. How many of us can speak of such success in our lives?

When we contribute to this program, we know we are making a difference. We encourage our readers to think about sponsoring a family for a year. This simple act of Tzedakah costs $100/month. Zev is very willing to arrange for such “adoptions.” Please contact us for further details.

[Donations for the families: contact Zev Birger directly, 2 HaMeyasdim St., Jerusalem, home phone: 02-643-6628, birgert@netvision.net.il.]

B. Free Dental Care for Kids in Jerusalem ($1,500)

Again, it was Trudi’s determination and energy that brought Dental Volunteers in Israel (DVI) into existence. Recognizing the lack of good oral hygiene among so many of the city’s poor people, it was Trudi’s dream to establish a clinic, staffed by qualified dentists from outside of Israel, that would offer quality dental care to those who could not otherwise afford it. The dream eventually became reality and untold numbers of Jerusalem’s children from across the religious and nationalistic spectrum receive excellent dental care. The clinic’s special preventive unit offers basic oral hygiene to hundreds of children. Since Trudi’s sudden death last summer, the clinic, to which she devoted so many years, now bears a plaque with the following inscription, “The Trudi Birger Dental Clinic.” It is a fitting tribute to a truly incredible human being who never stopped giving. We shall never forget her.

The need for volunteer dentists is very critical, and we urge any dentists reading this to respond.

[DVI, 29 Mekor Haim St., Jerusalem, Attn: Zev Birger, phone: 02-678-3144, fax: 02-643-3623, home phone: 02-643-6628, mailto:dvi@internet-zahav.net, http://www.dental-dvi.co.il/.  To assist in fundraising for DVI, contact Yigal Barkan, 02-533-5099, fax: 678-8173.  Tax-deductible contributions through PEF. (See section II:A.)]