JEWISH WORLD

JEWISH WORLD • APRIL 1 - 7, 2022 17 — I kept going. In the end, I somehow got to do things similar to my parents. I’ve worked in the healthcare system since 2003, go to the hospital just like my mom used to, and give lectures on the subject at medical conferences, just like my father used to. He treated the body, I help the soul. My mom helped [deliver] babies, I [help] sick children by making them laugh. I consider this a great personal victory. Q: What memory stands out in particular? A: There was a 10-year-old boy who came to the emergency room of the IDF hospital with an injury chiefs. The place has become a kind of circus. Second, which I adopted from street theater, is to be a clown in any situation. So I sat in a long line of refugees, filled out forms and waited like everyone else. Every- one who saw this laughed, and it immediately brought light to this crazy situation. Third, to sit with the children and paint together with them. A Latvian teacher organized this, but she was very strict. I was able to scribble with them. So we drew crazy draw- ings together. It turns out art therapy works, and it calmed me down. On the one hand, all this brings a sense of fulfillment and connec- tion, on the other, you understand the terrible tragedy and sadness be- cause it is unclear where they [the refugees] are going and how long they will stay there. Q: When you and your team travel to such an area, is there a focus on helping specifically Jews? A: No, it makes absolutely no difference. It is something basic and human that applies to every- one. There is something universal in clowning. Whoever puts on a red foam nose is a clown, no mat- ter where he comes from. What’s interesting is that in the IDF, which is not a global humanitarian or- ganization, something that has no borders has been created, and in desalination facility, it’s one enormous campsite.” The ultimate purpose of the hos- pital, though, is to be prepared to deploy in Israel. “And if it happens, we’ll be ready to deal with such a disaster. We know battle situations, but a big earthquake? When it occurs, we will have to help a lot of people with surgeries, very quickly and in the field,” he said. “It has other benefits too: The IDF’s humanitarian activity around the world is part of efforts to create a positive image for Israel and the military, and strengthen our interna- tional relations. And above all: It is a good thing to do in terms of hu- manity, and for the soul,” he added. Although the IDF’s medical clown unit is voluntary, Eisenberg says there is a long list of profes- sionals, such as doctors and nurses, who are eager to join. “People here simply love to help: in the field, as part of delegations. People come full of energy and hap- piness. They enjoy this very much, and I guess it affects their day-to- day work. Working at the emergen- cy department can wear one down, and medical clowning can change this routine and bring the doctor back to full energy, fulfillment and renewed strength.” ISRAEL HAYOM: Does it not scare you to travel to such a dan- gerous area? EISENBERG: There is a gener- al fear and worry because it is an unfamiliar place and situation, and due to the challenge. As a princi- ple, like any soldier who sets out on a mission, every possible de- ployment of a field hospital is a peak moment we prepare for. It attracts me like a magnet. It’s a bit like a kamikaze. You jump into the fire and only then try to understand what’s happening there. There is something very Israeli about it, knowing how to improvise and be quick-witted. But besides that, a clown also needs to know how to bring joy, absurdity and humor to this chaos. It takes people out of the inferno they are in. Q: What has your experience been like? A: The atmosphere here is dis- orderly and wild. But the children are very funny and full of life, and clowns connect immediately. They don’t need an explanation. So I’ve found myself enjoying three things very much: First, taking a walk with the children here, and mak- ing up a funny story in the process. We made a train, played with soap bubbles, balloons and handker- continued on page 25 Israeli military clown, Nimrod Eisenberg, at the site of an IDF eld hospital erected in Nepal following the 2015 earthquake there. Israeli eld hospital opens in Mostyska, Ukraine. Clowns There is a long list of volunteers. “The emergency department can wear one down; clowning can bring the doctor back to life.” it, it doesn’t matter what uniform I wear or what flag is embroidered on it — I have a foam clown nose. Q: Why did you choose this profession? A: My parents were medical professionals and I grew up in a home with specific ideas [about my future]. I ran away from that fate, to [join] the circus. I rode a unicycle in [public] squares instead of learning medicine. I traveled to Italy and did street performances at various festivals across Europe — and for a Jerusalem family of doctors, this was a great failure. I guess it started as a kind of teenage rebellion, but when I saw I made people laugh and enjoy themselves