In a moving embrace of both sorrow and hope, Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, took part in a poignant tribute that marked the intertwining of lives and legacies. This special initiative honored the memory of Captain Eitan Fish, who perished nine months ago in the battle in Gaza.
Chaya Baruch, the mother of the fallen hero, Captain Eitan Fish, initiated a project aimed at celebrating life on what might have been perceived as the day of her greatest loss. She reached out to several hospitals across Israel, proposing that gifts be distributed to mothers in maternity wards, celebrating the arrival of new life exactly nine months after her son was tragically lost in battle. Captain Fish, only 23 at the time of his death, left behind a grieving family, including his parents, Chaya and David Baruch, and seven siblings.
Chaya's vision was brought to life at Rambam through the distribution of small jewelry sets, accompanied by a heartfelt letter from Chaya. In her letter, she shared anecdotes about Eitan and extended her blessings to the newborns, congratulating them on the first milestone of their lives.
In the photo: Midwife Revital Polinger with Lubov Kopelev holding her newborn baby and displaying the gift received from the mother of the late Captain Eitan Fish. Photography: Rambam HCC
Revital Polinger, a midwife at Rambam, played an instrumental role in realizing this initiative. “Chaya's request resonated deeply with us. Since this morning, we've been sharing her gifts with the new mothers. The combination of joy and remembrance is powerful and reflects the dual nature of life here in Israel,” she explained.
Among the recipients was Lubov Kopelev, a 40-year-old surgical nurse at Rambam, residing in Nahariya in Northern Israel. On the early morning of a significant day of heightened tensions and Hezbollah attacks, Lubov found herself rushing to Rambam as labor contractions began. “Choosing Rambam felt right and secure. It's like a home to me,” Lubov recounted.
Receiving the memento from Chaya underscored the emotional complexity of the day. “Today holds many meanings for us. It’s my late father-in-law Yafim's birthday, a guiding spirit in our lives. We recently celebrated my own birthday and our eldest son's Bar Mitzvah. Remarkably, just like Captain Eitan, my newborn is the fourth child in our family. It’s a blend of everything—our life, our Israel. I wish health, joy, peace, and quiet for all the children born today and better days for everyone.”
This initiative serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Israeli spirit, honoring the past while embracing the future.
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