For one remarkable week in March, Tidewater experienced a different kind of medicine—one delivered with red noses, improvisation, and deep compassion. Representatives from the Dream Doctors Project, an Israeli nonprofit that integrates professional medical clowns into hospital care teams, spent several days across the region demonstrating how humor and empathy can transform the healing environment.
The residency was led by CEO Tsour Shriqui and professional medical clown Nimrod Eisenberg, who traveled from Israel to introduce local healthcare professionals, educators, and community members to the growing field of therapeutic medical clowning. Even amid the ongoing war in Israel, the pair remained committed to the visit and successfully made their way to Tidewater, bringing with them both expertise and a powerful message about resilience and healing.
During their time in Hampton Roads, Shriqui and Eisenberg visited hospitals, care facilities, and schools. Their schedule included stops at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and the Jones and Cabacoy Veterans Care Center, as well as visits with students in the Health and Science Academies at Bayside, Maury, and Deep Creek High Schools. At each location, they demonstrated how humor, play, and human connection can reduce anxiety, build trust, and support patients and caregivers.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from The Dream Doctors Project and see firsthand the joy they bring to pediatric care,” says Robin Kantor of CHKD. “Children need so much more than medicine to heal, and this experience brought an extra dose of laughter and connection to our patients and staff. We are especially thankful to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater for making this meaningful day possible.”
Members of the broader Tidewater community gathered for a special evening program on March 24 to learn more about Dream Doctors and the global impact of medical clowning. Through interactive demonstrations and storytelling, Shriqui and Eisenberg showed how nonverbal communication, improvisation, and empathy can help patients cope with fear and uncertainty. At the same time, they spoke candidly about how the wars in Israel over the past two and a half years have shaped their work, particularly in hospitals, emergency response efforts, and trauma recovery settings.
By the end of the residency, the impact of their visit was clear. Healthcare professionals gained new tools, students were introduced to an unexpected approach to patient care, and community members left with a deeper understanding of the healing power of humor. Eisenberg reflected that despite the packed schedule, the warmth of the Tidewater community made the experience unforgettable, and every person he met along the way left a lasting impression.
This residency was presented as part of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, and Community Partners’ 15th Annual Israel Today Series.
For more information on upcoming Israel Today events, visit JewishVA.org/IsraelToday or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.
