Community Magazine August 2017

84 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE co mm unity HIGHL IGHTS “I’m sorry. He won’t be back in the office until a week from Tuesday….” We’ve all heard these words. It’s commonly understood that “being out of the office” means being unavailable. When it comes to saving a life, however, Ezer Mizion will not accept such a response. Ezer Mizion’s Bone Marrow Registry has saved the lives of over 2,400 patients around the globe. Most recently, a six-year-old needed a transplant as soon as possible. Among the 850,000 registrants on the database, a DNA match was found and the potential donor was contacted. She’d be happy to donate, she said, but there was one problem. The next level of testing had to be done right away and she was currently in Brno, Czech Republic. “Can I make an appointment for when I return in a few weeks?” she asked. The Ezer Mizion staff member could only record: Donor out of country . Testing will be done when returns and close the file until then. As for the patient? By then, perhaps his condition would still be such that he could benefit from the transplant, but perhaps not – and Ezer Mizion was not going to take that chance. Linked to Life, another division of Ezer Mizion whose program maintains vital contacts worldwide, was called and a mass announcement was made: Volunteer needed to drive vital test tubes from Petach Tikva to the airport to meet someone going on the 3:50 flight to Vienna. In moments, a volunteer responded and the tubes were on their way. While hewas driving, thousands were again contacted: Looking for someone scheduled for flight to Prague to take the tubes … Bzzz. A response. Am at airport. I’ll take it. Another volunteer, waiting at the Prague airport, drove the package to the Chabad House. The head of the Chabad House then drove through the night to Brno. He used his connections to have the clinic opened in the middle of the night so as to draw blood from the potential donor. A request was sent out again while the now-filled test tubes were making their way back to Prague. Anyone traveling from Prague to Israel on the next flight? By the next morning, another Ezer Mizion Linked to Life volunteer was waiting at Ben Gurion airport, ready to transport the tubes to the Bone Marrow Registry in Petach Tikvah. Less than twenty-four hours. Mission accomplished. Olivv Source is an all-inclusive app released for the benefit of our community. Users have an array of opportunities at their fingertips! They can browse community businesses, real estate listings, classifieds ads, and sales opportunities. They can connect with a business or advertise their own. Homeowners looking to sell can post their property and those looking to buy or rent can hunt for an apartment or home. Olivv Source is the first app of its kind with listings of hesed opportunities, so that users can become aware of how they can volunteer their time and expertise. Those who need volunteers post where and when they’d like the help, and people looking to do good can use their phone to carry out hesed on the go. Olivv Source is also the place to find a local minyan or gemach , browse a listing of Torah classes, peruse the calendar to stay updated on upcoming events, and keep a listing of emergency contacts and facilities. Olivv Source grants access to everything needed to be an informed, valuable, and successful community member. On Sunday, July 16th, Sephardic Bikur Holim helditsthirdannualWorld of the Arts Young Artist Showcase and Auction. Community artists of all ages showcased their masterpieces at the home of Adele & Bobby Dweck and Marilyn Chira in Deal, NJ. Over 100 pieces were displayed and sold in a silent auction. Community members were able to bid on their favorite pieces while helping others; all proceeds from the art sales were donated to SBH. The Chinese auction featured incredible prizes, such as a Mac computer, original artwork by Irene Mamiye, and a “Get Creative” package filled with art supplies. Marilyn Dweck, the event chair, organized the evening with the help of her dedicated committee and family. Ezer Mizion: Czech Republic? No problem… Introducing Olivv Source, a Free All-In-One App for the Sephardic Community SBH’s World of the Arts Showcase and Auction Highlights Young Community Artists