Grapevine March 14, 2024: All at sea

• Published date: 15 March 2024
• Author: GREER FAY CASHMAN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Brūzga said there were in fact three Lithuanian Independence Days, and he sincerely hoped there would not be a fourth. The other two commemorate the coronation of King Mindaugas and the declaration of statehood on July 6, 1253; and a previous restoration of Independence on February 16, 1918

The documentary, Rowing the Atlantic, was about the solo trip in a small row boat by traveler and blogger Aurimas Valujavicius, who often sailed in turbulent seas.

The opening scenes show him brushing his teeth and shaving – not easy tasks in a row boat.

Facing challenges is part of the Lithuanian DNA according to Brūzga, and there were certainly a lot of challenges throughout the voyage. The dialogue was mostly in Lithuanian, but on the occasions in which Valujavicius spoke English during landings along the way, it was with a heavy Lithuanian accent – unlike the ambassador who could easily be mistaken for a native English speaker.

Doctor saves elderly woman on plane

■ WHEN AN elderly woman traveling this week on an El-Al flight from Russia to Israel began to feel ill, passengers sitting nearby notified the flight attendants, who requested medical assistance.

Aviation physician and long-time United Hatzalah volunteer, Dr. Nathan Ungar was sleeping peacefully in his seat, returning to Israel after assisting in the transport of a patient to Russia. As a physician who frequently accompanies sick patients, Ungar had a prior rapport with the crew, who immediately approached his seat, roused him, and informed him of the emergency.

The doctor quickly located the distressed passenger, finding her slumped in her seat, barely conscious. Using the flight's medical equipment, Ungar began a thorough examination of the patient and realized that her condition was critical, as she had dangerously low blood pressure and oxygen levels. He then asked the flight crew to make the onboard oxygen tank accessible, along with medications. Ungar connected the patient to oxygen, opened an IV line, and administered fluids to the patient, whose condition slowly began to stabilize.

After monitoring the patient, the doctor stayed close to her until the plane landed at Ben-Gurion Airport and an Advanced Life Support Ambulance met the plane on the tarmac and transported the patient to the hospital for further care.

"The story would have ended very differently if I hadn't acted on time," said Ungar. "I'm just blessed to have been at the right place at the right time."

Australian solidarity mission

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