Team Rescue: A Lifeline in Crisis

A well-established psychologist reached out to me during an extremely difficult period, expressing suicidal thoughts despite being under the care of a psychiatrist, working with a social worker, and taking prescribed medication. She was seeking something beyond conventional treatment—someone who could truly understand and guide her through this critical moment.

Over time, I supported her in maintaining her practice, ensuring she could continue seeing her own clients during moments of lucidity. Eventually, she confided in me that a friend from Florida was coming to Israel with a drug intended to end her life. At this point, the situation became even more urgent.

With her life at risk, I quickly assembled a team to attempt an intervention. Our goal was to convince her to reconsider and cancel her plan. Despite our efforts, she remained resolute, leaving us with a difficult decision:

1. Alert the authorities, which could lead to her arrest and involuntary institutionalization—an outcome I feared would complicate her recovery, if she even survived.
2. Find and stop the courier before he reached Israel with the lethal substance.

I chose the latter.

Earning her trust had been a slow process, but it proved invaluable. When the courier contacted her, she introduced me over the phone, believing I would help facilitate her plan. This gave me the opportunity to gather critical details, including his flight information and accommodations. Step by step, I worked to gain his trust as well.

On the day of his flight, while he was en route to the airport in Florida, he called me. It was then that I made the decisive move. I informed him that if he boarded the plane, he would be immediately arrested upon arrival. I made it clear that we had sufficient evidence to involve the authorities and ensure his apprehension.

Realizing the consequences, he turned his car around and went home—an action that not only saved her life but likely spared his own as well. As a divorced father of young children, this decision prevented a tragedy that would have affected many more lives.

In the end, the psychologist closed her practice, left Israel, and returned to the United States in a better state of mind. While this was a harrowing experience, it reinforced the critical importance of swift, decisive action in moments of crisis.

Every life is precious and deserving of support. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out before it's too late.

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