A Life of Resilience and Purpose
Lilian Gandelman is a woman of strength, determination, and charm. She has lived a life filled with challenges, but her story is one of perseverance and transformation. At 46, she has already accomplished so much, from overcoming a rare form of cancer to navigating life as an amputee in Israel. Her journey is not just personal; it's also a mission to educate and change societal attitudes—one Israeli at a time.
During an interview at the Lachmanina café in Tel Aviv, Gandelman shared a moment that highlighted the need for greater awareness and empathy. As she ordered her croissant and cappuccino, the barista handed her a packet of butter and jelly. She asked if they could be placed on a tray, explaining that she uses crutches and couldn’t carry them. This small incident sparked a broader conversation about how society should treat people with disabilities.
Gandelman emphasized that people need training to behave respectfully. “He doesn’t see I have crutches? He should have offered to bring it to my table,” she said. She believes that workplaces, restaurants, and public spaces must invest in training to ensure inclusivity.
A Childhood Filled with Promise
Born in Brazil, Gandelman had a happy childhood, growing up with her parents and a brother who was eight years older. She attended a Jewish day school, participated in ballet, acted in plays, and enjoyed riding her bike. At age nine, while riding her new bike, she noticed swelling on her right leg. After showing it to her parents and her uncle, a doctor, she was quickly taken to oncologists for treatment.
Within a week, she was undergoing surgery. There was no treatment for her rare type of cancer in Brazil, so she spent the next year in New York, receiving care at the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. During this time, she received letters and pictures from her school friends and support from the Jewish community.
She endured 15 surgeries and spent five years traveling back and forth to New York until she was eventually declared cancer-free at age 12. Her school even chartered a bus to meet her at the airport when she returned for the final time.
Overcoming Adversity
At 15, she faced another setback when the cancer returned, requiring an amputation. “It didn’t work much, but still, it was traumatic,” she recalled. However, she adapted and embraced swimming and water polo, even training to become a Paralympic swimmer. To gain more independence, she spent four months studying English in England.
Despite further complications and additional surgeries, bringing her total to 31 between the ages of nine and 20, she pursued her dream of becoming a dentist. After three years, however, she found the clinical internships unfulfilling and switched to studying law. “I connected because I am a person who wants to make justice in the world always!” she said.
Finding a Home in Israel
Gandelman worked in various law firms as a tax lawyer and in mergers and acquisitions. She later earned a master’s degree in environmental law and worked on infrastructure projects in the oil and gas industry. When her job and relationship came to an end, she decided it was time for a new chapter. This led her to make aliyah to Israel, despite never having visited before.
Her decision to move was influenced by a desire for something new and different. “The world is huge, but this is truly the only place I could go to live,” she said. However, adjusting to life in Israel was not easy. Most Israel trips involved hiking and walking, which posed challenges for someone using crutches and a motorized scooter.
Adjusting to Life in Israel
Gandelman approached the Jewish Agency in Brazil for assistance, but they were unsure how to help someone with a disability. “They were a bit lost,” she admitted. The agency suggested Kiryat Yam as a starting point, but the facilities were not well-suited for her needs. Elevators were often broken, and bathrooms frequently flooded.
After spending three months there, she moved to Ramat Gan and Givatayim, where she continued to face challenges. Despite these difficulties, she remained confident and accepted her condition. She took jobs in customer service, first at El Al and then in a call center providing remote support to people in Brazil.
However, adjusting to life in Israel proved emotionally challenging. “People stared. They asked how it happened. I lost it. I was very depressed and didn’t have the language to answer,” she said. Over time, she learned to navigate the culture and respond to curious questions with confidence.
Embracing Tel Aviv
Today, Gandelman loves living in Tel Aviv, where she feels welcomed and accepted. “I think Tel Aviv is open to people with disabilities. There is space here for everyone,” she said. She enjoys the beach, swimming in the sea, and watching sunsets. Despite the challenges, she remains deeply connected to Israel.
“I love that feeling of belonging, that Israel is home—despite all the headaches!” she concluded. For Gandelman, the journey has been long, but her spirit remains unbroken.
No comments:
Post a Comment