The Gulf War, 1990. I am twelve years old. We live in Ramat Gan, which was hit by direct missiles, right across from our home. One of the most significant memories from that time is the trip to Avi and Gail in Jerusalem, who opened their home to us. In my childhood memories, I gather small moments: unfamiliar tastes – especially the cornflakes-crusted schnitzel that became an unforgettable discovery, fried by Gail with so much love; sitting with Gail and Avi around the breakfast table, which felt to me as if it belonged to another world, accompanied by Gail’s unique American accent that transported me, as a child, to faraway places.
I don’t remember the exact words that were spoken, but I remember the feeling deeply – warmth, lightness, and generosity. That is who Gail was for me.
Fast-forward about thirty years: Gail and Avi come to visit us in Boston, and this time I am the host. Now the American accent is deeply familiar – it’s the accent my own children speak. Gail had a rare ability to make you feel close to her instantly. There was a warmth that radiated from her. I always felt that even the most reserved person would open around her, and I saw it happen with many people over the years. We all felt it during their visit to us – a sense of warmth, genuine interest, and loving presence.
Another thing that will always stay with me is Gail’s artwork – her and my mother’s shared love of quilting, fabrics, art, and creation. Gail’s pieces connect separate bits of fabric into a single whole that tells a story – with message, emotion, and meaning. One piece that touched me especially over the past two years and remains with me is her work dedicated to the Bibas family’s children.
About two weeks before her passing, Gail and Avi went with my parents to an Asian restaurant. I called when they were on their way back. I spoke with Gail and told her that Tomer, my son, was considering attending a pre-army program after high school. And in her typical way, she immediately offered to help and investigate it. We planned to speak again soon.
Two weeks later, while we were traveling in Rome, just a day before returning to Israel, we received the heartbreaking news of her passing.
We miss Gail deeply, and we hold all these memories – and many more – close to our hearts, from all of us, from the whole family.