An oleh’s lessons from an Israeli health debacle

When I made aliyah over a year ago, I was warned that it would be hard.

With no family here, many people gave me their contact information and an open invitation for any assistance when needed. But for me, for the first year, it really wasn’t all that hard. Thanks to a great absorption experience, a steady job and an amazing support system, I felt great about my choice to make aliyah. I didn’t need much assistance and had nearly 100 percent positive experiences. That is, up until last week. 

The pain in my back returned, but this time with a vengeance. Along with it came the healthcare debacle of the decade (at least I hope it only happens that rarely). After sitting in ulpan for five hours per day, the herniated disc in my back, which was healing so well in the U.S., revolted. It got to the point where I wasn’t able to sit, stand, or walk without pain. Elderly people watching me shook their heads in pity as I hobbled with agony. Sadly, that is not an exaggeration.

So I went back to the doctor I previously saw, the one who scolded me for not speaking Hebrew to him and suggested that I go swimming. Well guess what? He did the exact same routine again, but worse this time:

Me: Hi, Doctor. 

Dr.: I didn’t call your number yet. 

Me: Oh, I’m sorry. It’s up on the screen.

Dr.: You need to wait until it beeps!

Me: Okay, well would you like me to step out?

Dr.: Yes! Go now!

[I walk outside and not a whole second passes before he “beeps” my number.]

Me: Was that the beep?

Dr.: Yes. Next time, wait until you hear the beep before entering. How long have you been here in Israel?

Me: A year.

Dr.: And you don’t speak Hebrew?  

Me: I do. But when it comes to urgent and important things like health care, I like to speak in my native language.

Dr.: Do you know how important it is to speak the language of the place you live?

Me: Doctor, as I told you before, I do speak Hebrew and I’m still learning. In fact, it was sitting in the Hebrew course that brought back this extreme pain I’m in. 

Dr.: I told you, you need to go swimming. Here’s a painkiller.