In Memory of Gail, My Beloved Friend
We met Gail in 1978, when she and her friend Judy rented an apartment in our building – 59 Borochov Street, Kiryat Yovel, Jerusalem. Into our building arrived a young American woman, beautiful, with a charmingly heavy American accent in her Hebrew. But very quickly we understood that Gail never really intended to live in that apartment; she was already deeply involved in her relationship with Avichai, living in his home, and the rental was simply “just in case…”
That was one side of the story. The other was that Avichai was a good friend of my husband, Naftali. And so, almost without planning it, a beautiful connection began – and this was the start of our friendship with Avichai and Gail.
From that point on, we became like family. True friends. Our children grew up side by side; the girls became childhood friends – especially Ya’ara and Dana, who shared a deep and special bond. Together we celebrated birthdays, holidays, Shabbat dinners, Independence Days, hikes around the country – and the highlight: our big trip to the United States in the summer of 1987.
It was a month-and-a-half trip: Miami, Orlando, the southern states, and finally a visit to Gail’s parents in Tulsa.
The entire trip was meticulously and lovingly organized by Gail. She knew every place, recommended excellent restaurants, wonderful hotels, and beautiful routes. Everything was done with wisdom, calm, and sensitivity – and the result was perfect. No professional tour guide could have done it better.
Any question or request – ours or her family’s – was always met with willingness, joy, and true generosity.
Tuli my husband, my sister Betty, Omri, and I left Tulsa to continue the trip in Washington and New York. We flew on tickets arranged by Gail’s father after we had missed our original flight – and even that was handled smoothly and brilliantly thanks to Gail. Our daughter Ya’ara stayed for three more weeks with the Schmidt family, and Gail cared for her like a mother – with warmth, attention, and endless kindness.
And so the years passed. The children grew up, each finding their place – some in Israel, some abroad – and we continued to stay in touch: celebrating happy occasions, sharing meals, meeting in each other’s homes and in wonderful restaurants.
Even after we moved to the center of the country and Gail and Avichai remained in Jerusalem, the connection stayed strong. We met for birthdays, in Jerusalem or Herzliya, and in recent years we had a tradition of meeting at the Tel Aviv Book Week – strolling among the stalls, chatting, laughing, catching up… and of course ending with a good meal.
Creativity was Gail’s hallmark – not just a hobby, but a language of its own.
She specialized in quilting, knew how to combine colors, fabrics, and shapes as if she were writing a story. Each of her works was filled with thought, emotion, precision, and love.
She participated in exhibitions around the world, traveled for workshops, learned and grew constantly. She had a sharp eye for detail, rare talent, and gentle hands that could transform the simplest idea or piece of fabric into a living, breathing, colorful, moving creation.
Many of us were blessed to receive gifts made by Gail – works crafted from the heart, with great care, love, and talent.
I was lucky to receive magnificent creations for my grandchildren when they were born: large wall hangings proudly displayed in their rooms. Gail also made us patchwork bags, pot holders, and many other beautiful items. These creations continue to live, to bring joy, and to reflect some of the light and beauty that were so much a part of her.
Gail is deeply missed.
And yet, alongside the pain, I feel profound gratitude – for the privilege of being part of her life, for her many years of friendship, and for the memories that will stay with me forever.
May her memory be a blessing.
Pieces Gail created for us
