Absolute darkness, icy winds, and temperatures of -75°F (-60°C)… this is what a courageous Canadian air crew had to contend with on a daring medical rescue mission to the South Pole last week.
Antarctica is a lonely place in the winter. Only a handful of scientists, researchers and maintenance staff stick around to keep things running, and they are largely on their own. At the research station where the rescue took place, the sun set in March and won’t rise again until September. Storms and hurricane-force winds are commonplace, and temperatures can fluctuate wildly without warning, dipping well below -100°F (-84°C). This was only the third winter rescue ever attempted at the South Pole.
The evacuation was completed successfully, and the two sick workers have been transferred to a medical facility where they can receive the care they need to make a full recovery.
Sometimes, G‑d orchestrates things just so. This week we read about the spies’ negative report after visiting the Promised Land. They did not believe the Israelites would be able to conquer and settle it.
What they forgot to take into account was that G‑d had instructed Israel to enter the Land. And with G‑d’s help anything is possible.
Miraculous victories over strong, well-armed nations; a winter landing on the South Pole; or even world peace—our job is to try. The rest is up to Him.
Miriam Szokovski,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
