I have just started a new rotation working
in geriatric medicine, caring predominantly for the elderly with dementia.
Yesterday I was asked to review a seventy
five year old gentleman with newly diagnosed cognitive impairment. I walked in
the room, introduced myself and sat down on his bed by his side to take his
history.
I asked the man where he was born. “East
Jerusalem,” was his accented response. And so he spoke of his personal story. “The Jews,
the bastards kicked me out of my home.” I let the comment stagnate in the air
and then continued the consultation.
We came to the point where we discussed how
things were going at home. I asked him, “What do you like to cook?” He told
me about all the different recipes he likes to try, not dissimilar to my
grandfather, who in later life has taken up cooking as a hobby. I imagine the
loose interpretations of recipes they both use in their parallel kitchens as they
satisfy their taste buds and last vestige of independence.
“What about hummus?” I inquire.
“Hommous- I make the best hommous!” he
responds then detailing his personal style.
“And with za’atar?”
“Of course with za’atar.”
“Ful?”
“Delicious- but a different recipe…”
And the conversation was then transported
to the feet of the hills of Jerusalem, reminiscing about hummus and homeland.
The consult eventually was completed
and I was pleased that with some support and services he would be able to
return home. As I left I wished him, “Shalom alechem,” to which he responded,
“Aleheim Sa'alam.” He then paused and with a puzzled expression asked, “Are you
Jewish?”
“Yes,” I replied.
He then smiled, shrugged, shook my hand and
gave me a warm albeit hesitant hug.
Today I took my boss to visit the gentleman
to verify my findings. “Where are you
from originally?” my boss began. “East Jerusalem. Until the Jews, the bastards,
they kicked me out of my home…”
Glossary:
Za’atar: Middle Eastern spice mix
Ful: fava bean mix
“Shalom alechem” is a farewell statement to
which the response is traditionally, “Alechem shalom.”
Please note: the symbolism of this story I could not possibly ignore and not share. I under no circumstances am insinuating that the Palestinian patient with memory problems and the Jewish doctor are the central motifs. For me the symbolism lies in the cyclic nature of the story and would hold true had the roles been reversed. Shabbat shalom.
