Yael Noy, the head of the charity Road to Recovery, is grappling with the aftermath of the Hamas assault on October 7.
Despite the personal toll, including the loss of four volunteers, Yael remains committed to the organization’s mission of driving sick Palestinians, mostly children, from the West Bank and Gaza to hospital appointments in Israel.
However, due to the recent events, volunteers can no longer operate in Gaza, and some are held hostage by Hamas.
Yael emphasizes the humanitarian aspect, refusing to dehumanize Palestinians and expressing concern for their well-being. She continues to provide essential medical transportation, recognizing the shared victimhood caused by the conflict.
Despite internal and external criticism, Yael remains steadfast in her belief that helping both Israelis and Palestinians is essential. The polarized climate makes it challenging to bridge the divide, with even those on the left expressing radicalized views.
Some Road to Recovery volunteers have shifted their focus amid the ongoing conflict, but Yael is determined to continue the mission when conditions permit. The charity faces challenges, including a need for external support, as donations within Israel have decreased.
Yael concludes by emphasizing her commitment to the mission, stating, “It may be hard. But we can’t stop. It’s my mission, and I have to do it.”
