On call 24 hours a day, Israel Police foreign press spokesman Micky Rosenfeld has seen his share of tragedy and prefers to focus on the progress this country has made.
By YAAKOV LAPPINMicky Rosenfeld 521(photo credit: Courtesy)Micky RosenfeldAge: 39Profession: Police foreign press spokesmanPlace of birth: London, EnglandCurrent residence: Jerusalem■ What gets you out of bed in the morning?My job, knowing that my responsibility is to inform the public of what is happening in our country. For better and for worse, we live in a part of the world where there is never a dull moment. Every day there can be an incident, any time, any place, anywhere, and I am ready, on the move, on the spur of the moment.■ What keeps you up at night?Three things keep me awake at night: serious ongoing incidents, the fact that I am on call 24 hours a day, and my kids, of course.■ What’s the most difficult professional moment you’ve faced so far?Before I became the foreign press spokesman for the police, I served in the Yamam [the police anti-terrorist unit] for nine years. Incidents of a tragic nature occur in both jobs. The difference, however, is that in the Yamam I was a direct participant in police operations, while as police spokesperson I usually arrive at the scene after an incident has occurred.What is hard to deal with are the horrific scenes of killings and human suffering. I will never forget the blood-stained tzitziot of the young and innocent students in the shooting that took place in the Merkaz Harav Yeshiva [in Jerusalem in March 2008]. The sight of these soaked-through red tzitziot have marked me profoundly.■ How do you celebrate your achievements?Hardly ever. As soon as one job is completed, I am already working on the next one. But when there is time, I celebrate with my wife and children. ■ If you were prime minister, what’s the first thing you would do?I would address the issue of hasbara as being our No. 1 priority. Serious thought, strategic planning, major efforts and extensive budget need to be allocated for this purpose.■ Which Israeli should have a movie made about him/her?Maj.-Gen. Zohar Dvir. A few years ago, while heading the Yamam, Zohar was called to identify the body of Dror Shushan, a Yamam officer who was killed in a tragic road accident. When he arrived at the scene of the crash, Zohar was hit and critically injured by a passing truck. It took Zohar over a year to make a full recovery. He is now head of the North District. His remarkable rehabilitation is a token of bravery, perseverance and human ability to attain the unattainable.■ What would you change about Israelis if you could? Make ourselves aware of the amount of good there is in our very young country. Help us recall where we were 65 years ago and look at where we are today. Of course, if we look around, there is much that needs to be improved, but let’s appreciate what we have, and let’s value our achievements.■ iPad, BlackBerry or pen and paper?All three, depending on the situation; I can’t function without them.■ If you had to write an advertisement to entice tourists to come to Israel, what would it say?A tiny country with a gigantic heart. Come and taste our food, drink our wine, breathe our air and enjoy the cultural diversities. You will feel better, your mind will be clearer, your soul will grow and you will love the experience. You might even want to come back for more!■ What is the most serious problem facing the country?Political, ideological and religious divergences, internal within Israel and external with our Arab neighbors. How can it be solved?By learning to respect our mutual differences.
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