In a heartfelt response to the ongoing conflict in Israel, Dr. Raphael Pazo, a Lodi local, has taken an extraordinary step towards making a difference. Compelled by the tumultuous events following an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, Dr. Pazo, a U.S. Army veteran and a long-time resident, embarked on a two-week volunteer mission to Israel, joining hands with Sar-El, The National Project for Volunteers for Israel.
After overcoming travel challenges and COVID-19 setbacks, Dr. Pazo's journey was not just a passage across continents but a testament to resilience and the human spirit. On reaching Israel, he was part of a small international group assigned to a military logistics base near Be’er Sheva, close to the Egyptian border. The team's mission was crucial: to assemble thousands of meal boxes and high-calorie snack packages for soldiers and displaced families, a task they accomplished with commendable efficiency and dedication.
Dr. Pazo's role extended beyond logistics; as a combat medic, he ensured the health and well-being of his fellow volunteers. His multilingual skills proved invaluable in coordinating tasks and maintaining smooth operations. His experience was enriched by the diverse backgrounds and faiths of volunteers converging in Israel for a common humanitarian cause.
The journey was not without its poignant moments. Dr. Pazo reminisced about a touching incident during his previous deployment, where a simple card from a young girl lifted his spirits. Inspired, he carried this tradition forward by distributing hand-written cards to soldiers, connecting people across continents through words of support and appreciation.
Despite the hardships of war, Dr. Pazo observed the remarkable resilience and unity among the people in Israel. From the fields of agriculture to the bustling streets of Jerusalem, he witnessed a collective effort towards survival and assistance, contrasting greatly with the desolation and severity of conflict.
Dr. Pazo’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of war and the human capacity for compassion and solidarity in the face of adversity. His story is not just a narrative of his journey; it's a mosaic of diverse experiences, a convergence of efforts by people from all walks of life coming together in a time of crisis. It challenges us to look beyond the headlines and understand the multifaceted nature of conflicts and the human stories within them.
As Dr. Pazo and his wife plan their return to Israel for an interfaith tour and further volunteer work, his story resonates as a beacon of hope and humanity, inspiring others to look beyond boundaries and contribute in their own ways to global peace and understanding.