There are no coronavirus patients at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, but because of strict restrictions on entering the hospital, the absence of family visits to patients is having its impact. In normal times, Israeli families, both Jewish and Arab, often are very enthusiastic visitors. Sometimes whole clans come to cheer their loved ones toward renewed health.

Often, they come bearing flowers. Now there is a dearth of these bright-colored signs of life that typically herald the approaching sabbath.

When Hadassah Mount Scopus rehabilitation nurse Tchiya Leatherhandler heard of the financial difficulties of a flower grower in southern Israel, she decided she could help him survive while sprucing up the units with some seasonal plants. Win-win.

“Many of the patients are here long term and we, the nurses, doctors, and physical and occupational therapists, are really close to them,” Tchiya told the reporter from the Jerusalem edition of the Yediot newspaper.

Tchiya asked residents of her neighborhood to support the project. With their help, she purchased dozens of flowering plants, which were delivered to Jerusalem. Tchiya then approached the Forever company, which donated moisturizing cream for all the patients.

“I can’t tell you how many tears of joy were wept,” she said.

Rely Alon, Hadassah deputy director general for nursing, added, “Our nurses have been working even harder than usual. Tchiya’s actions brought me to tears, too.”