Arriving 3/4 hour early for a doctor’s appointment in Eilat and looking forward to sitting in an air-conditioned waiting room, I found that this day of all days (temperature 43 degrees) the clinic would only be open from 4pm. The clinic is in a residential area, so what was I to do? After fifteen minutes of sweltering in the sun,  with my bottle of water forgotten at home (something that is essential to carry with you at all times in Eilat), I decided on a course of action. I would look for a house with the front door open. After a couple of minutes, lo and behold, as if G-d was beckoning to me, I saw an open door and walked in. I tried to explain to the women inside, in broken Hebrew, that in spite of what a chutzpah it was, under the circumstances would they allow me to sit for a half an hour? I would be no trouble, I added.

I was received so warmly, with iced water, cakes, coffee, and other refreshments. A lady who was lying down, was the owner of the house and had just come out of hospital. The other ladies in the room were family members who were visiting her. She apologized profusely that she could not sit up to receive me! I sat there, a complete stranger in their midst, feeling extremely comfortable.

I later learned that they were a Moroccan family and that Moroccans are known for their hospitality. In what other country in the world, I pondered, could a perfect stranger walk in, ask to sit down, and be received so warmly? Two different cultures – a South African and a Moroccan, uniting us in a common bond – Jews in Israel. It’s a great feeling to encounter such warmth without being able to converse in a common language. It’s what’s inside that counts… the milk of human kindness. For me this was a very special encounter.

 

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Fonda Dubb

Fonda was born in Pietersburg, South Africa. After finishing school, she studied ballet at the University of Cape Town Ballet School. During this period, she worked as a fashion model for leading f...
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