A hope for peace and miracles

Sigal Hertz-Tirosh heads the Israel Rett Syndrome Foundation and believes ‘there is much work to be done to reach our final goal of finding a cure’

By SIGAL HERTZ-TIROSH
Sigal Hertz-Tirosh512 (photo credit: Itamar Rotem)
Sigal Hertz-Tirosh512
(photo credit: Itamar Rotem)
Name: Sigal Hertz-Tirosh Age: 43 Profession: Director of Silent Angels – Israel Rett Syndrome FoundationPlace of birth: HaifaCurrent residence: Tel Aviv
What issue gets you out of bed in the morning? My kids and my commitment to the Silent Angels.
What issue keeps you up at night? Thinking about people who find it hard to help and give to others.
What’s the most difficult professional moment you’ve faced so far?Talking to a mother who just received a diagnosis of Rett syndrome for her young daughter. When girls with Rett syndrome are first diagnosed and are young, most of the symptoms are not apparent. It is extremely difficult to describe to their families what is coming in the future.
How do you celebrate your achievements? A significant part of my job is raising funds for research. Last year we held our first charity event. We worked very hard and the event was very successful. I felt we’d been successful in delivering our message, telling the story of Rett syndrome. The celebration was very short, since I also remembered that there is much work to be done to reach our final goal of finding a cure for Rett Syndrome.
If you were prime minister, what’s the first thing you would do?Peace, peace, peace. Which Israeli should have a movie made about him/her? My niece, Hadar Zysman, who is a beautiful, young and vibrant girl who was born with Rett syndrome. Hadar is living proof that despite the fact they cannot speak, Rett syndrome girls are loving, clever and sensitive and communicate with their beautiful eyes.
What would you change about Israelis if you could?I wish we would be more responsible for our environment, and clean up after ourselves.
iPad, BlackBerry or pen and paper?iPad.
If you had to write an advertisement to entice tourists to come to Israel, what would it say?Perfect weather, perfect beaches, great food and friendly people.
What is the most serious problem facing the country?The bad security situation and radicalization both from within and from outside.
How can it be solved?Miracles and strong, sane leaders.
In 20 years, the country will be:I wish we’ll all live in peace with our neighbors. The country will be a strong secular democracy with emphasis on education and culture.