From Police Officer to Medical Clown: One Man's Inspiring Journey

Yossi Mizrachi, a senior officer at the Majdal Krum police station, dons his uniform every day, but once a week, he swaps it for a colorful costume to visit hospitals in northern Israel. Professionally known as Dr. Popo, Mizrachi becomes a medical clown, spreading joy to sick children.

Mizrachi was inspired to become a medical clown during the time he spent by his son's bedside in the oncology ward several years ago. In an interview with YNET, Mizrachi shared, "When the medical clowns would enter my son's hospital room, they brought so much light, goodness, and joy. I told my wife that one day, as I approach retirement, I would love to do what they do. These places can be incredibly tough, with patients enduring prolonged, painful treatments. When a clown enters, they momentarily break the routine, filling hearts and faces with smiles."

His son has thankfully recovered, but Mizrachi decided to pursue his dream before retiring. Over six months, he studied medical clowning, makeup, theater, and emotional therapy, and now volunteers weekly as a medical clown. "I believe there's a hidden clown in everyone; the question is when and how it emerges," he said. "We are all clowns and must learn how to express it when needed. I enjoy performing for sick adults as well, as they also need attention. Children receive everything in their rooms, but adults often sit alone, sometimes without anyone approaching them."

During his volunteer shifts, Mizrachi moves between different rooms, distributing balloons and making funny sounds for the kids. "My secret is the red nose," Mizrachi admitted in the interview. "That nose connects me to the character. Without it, I'm Yossi the cop and family man. With the red nose, I become someone else... It gives me indescribable strength. Finishing a volunteer shift here feels like climbing Everest."