Institutional care
With regard to “Bridling free-market mechanisms” (Think About It, February 27) by Susan Hattis Rolef, the recent news about abuse in nursing homes is so familiar. Every now and then, the subject comes up in the media; many shout, and promises are made for correction, but the subject fades. Nothing changes.
Having had wonderful and terrible people taking care of me from all ethnicities in all kinds of institutions, I have knowledge of the very widespread abuse of the disabled in this country. It is not politically correct to say, but it is a fact that much of the worst abuse comes from Arab Muslims taking care of Jews.
The sad fact is that for the most part, Jews are not interested in filling the jobs of orderlies and aides in these institutions. Therefore, the positions are often filled by Arab Muslims who have been taught all their lives why they should be angry at, and hate, Jews. The situation is worst when it is known that a Jewish patient worked for the police, military or security forces – their lives are likely to be a hell of abuse that is beyond imagining for most.
It’s not that all Arab-Muslim caretakers are sadistic or cruel, but – especially where there are a lot of young Arab males filling jobs – there will almost always be at least several abusers. Arab staff who might be quite against such torture will not squeal on their fellows to Jewish bosses.
I have had the privilege of having wonderful, kind Africans taking care of me. Among them was one noble young man who told me much about the horrors inflicted by mostly young Arab men on the residents of institutions (though I already knew it). To his great credit and at risk to his own life, he reported these incidents to the top echelons of the places where he worked. Each time, changes were made to the staff.
If nursing homes are serious about alleviating the hell of their patients, they will bring in many more African caregivers. These people are often very kind, serious and hard-working. They, as refugees, need the work, and we need them no less! ELIYAHU HOLLEY
Mevaseret Zion The writer is a quadriplegic, husband and father of two.