We are Family

• Published date: 20 February 2023
• Publication title: Israel National News (Israel)

I would therefore humbly suggest that perhaps there is a deeper lesson, one that can be gleaned from our experience, particularly during these challenging times

I came to Israel as a leader of Chai Lifeline's Wish at the Wall trip. Sponsored by the Hartman Family Foundation and supported by the Chicago community, the trip allowed 15 teenagers who are dealing with a variety of medical and practical issues, to come and experience Israel. And as the name indicates, one of the highlights of this experience is coming to the Western Wall and allowing these incredible kids and an accompanying parent to express their personal prayers and thanks.

The delegation consisted of teenagers from California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio, Canada, and Great Britain. We have teens who live with Epilepsy, teens who are paraplegic, teens with muscular issues that stunt their growth. In our group are teens who have had to deal with dozens of surgeries, Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis and a long list of other issues.

Undoubtedly in our little group are people with many different opinions on religion, state and likely many other issues that normally divide us. Some come with minimal Jewish education from secular backgrounds, while others hail from hasidic backgrounds. We have "right wingers, left wingers and everything in between"...