Left: Dr. Lieberman with the congregation in Putti and their new torah. Below: In the OR In 2010, Dr. Isadore “Izzy” Lieberman, an orthopedic surgeon from Plano, Texas, was on his yearly volunteer medical mission in Uganda when he discovered something remarkable. After an exhausting five and a half hour drive, he arrived in Putti, also known as the Abayudaya Jewish Community, a small village of approximately 250 people who practice Judaism and who strive to be recognized as Orthodox despite their impoverished and isolated existence. Touched by the community’s dedication to their faith, Dr. Li- eberman promised to donate a “Kosher Sefer Torah” to the village to replace their makeshift 12-inch paper version. One year later, after much hard work and $25,000 raised, Dr. Lieberman returned to Putti, torah in hand, welcomed with cheers and songs of joy. As one would expect, Putti is not the easiest place to practice Judaism. From 1971 to 1979 the infamous Ugandan dictator Idi Amin banned the religion, resulting in many converting to other faiths. In fact, Abayudaya calls itself “Remnant of Israel” because its people are the last remaining Jewish practitioners in the area. Today, the Putti Village Assistance Organization strives to work to create a sustainable community economically, ecologically and educationally. Projects include building a new henhouse that will act as a sustainable business for the village, obtaining mosquito whelmed by the need, emotions and challenges that the peo- nets to reduce the risk of malaria, promoting overall health and ple of Putti face every day. He says, “It realigns my universe. It many more. The organization hopes to stimulate the local econo- reminds me why I’m a physician.” Embarking on a journey to my and purchase most goods in Uganda. Uganda turned into a life-changing experience not only for the One of their larger endeavors is to enable two young men to doctor, but also for the people of Putti. —Jennifer Ickovics live and study in Israel for a full year. The money raised for this Need To Know: To make a donation to the Uganda Spine Sur- project goes to their room and board, flights and, of course, gery Mission, go to http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/isa- their education. dor-lieberman/ugandaspinesurgerymission2009-2010 To help the At each visit, Dr. Lieberman describes being completely over- Jews of Uganda, www.puttivillage.org 62 SUMMER 2012 s CHUTZPAHMAG.COM Mensch.indd 62 7/9/12 12:39 PM.