Children with medical challenges take once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel
Dozens of parents and children with medical challenges just returned from a 10-day trip to Israel, where the children had the chance to forget their conditions and just be children. “What an amazing, heartwarming, inspirational trip,” said Esther Leah Sandhaus.Sandhaus is the director of programs and services for Chai Lifeline Southeast.Chai Lifeline is an international organization that serves children with lifelong serious medical concerns.They have approximately 100 clients in Palm Beach County alone.For 25 years, Chai Lifeline has been taking children on this trip to Israel, but they had to pause for a while because of the war.Now, they’re back on the trip they call Wish at the Wall.“To be able to see these children flourish and shine and bring light to the people here in Israel is unbelievable,” Sandhaus said.The children got to spend some time with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.They climbed Masada all the way to the top, many using crutches and wheelchairs to get there.“We went to the Dead Sea where some of these children who are not able to walk were able to float and feel free for the first time,” Sandhaus said.They spent time swapping stories with injured Israeli soldiers, letting them know that life with challenges is still life.“The support that these children were able to give to these soldiers was unbelievable,” Sandhaus said.The trip culminated with what for many was the highlight: a visit to the Western Wall to pray and, as the name of the trip indicates, wish at the wall.“They really don’t have a chance to just be kids,” Sandhaus said. “This trip allows them to be carefree and enjoy being a kid.”The trip was cost-free for the children and their parents.More information on Chai Lifeline and Wish at the Wall is available on their website.
Dozens of parents and children with medical challenges just returned from a 10-day trip to Israel, where the children had the chance to forget their conditions and just be children.
“What an amazing, heartwarming, inspirational trip,” said Esther Leah Sandhaus.
Sandhaus is the director of programs and services for Chai Lifeline Southeast.
Chai Lifeline is an international organization that serves children with lifelong serious medical concerns.
They have approximately 100 clients in Palm Beach County alone.
For 25 years, Chai Lifeline has been taking children on this trip to Israel, but they had to pause for a while because of the war.
Now, they’re back on the trip they call Wish at the Wall.
“To be able to see these children flourish and shine and bring light to the people here in Israel is unbelievable,” Sandhaus said.
The children got to spend some time with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
They climbed Masada all the way to the top, many using crutches and wheelchairs to get there.
“We went to the Dead Sea where some of these children who are not able to walk were able to float and feel free for the first time,” Sandhaus said.
They spent time swapping stories with injured Israeli soldiers, letting them know that life with challenges is still life.
“The support that these children were able to give to these soldiers was unbelievable,” Sandhaus said.
The trip culminated with what for many was the highlight: a visit to the Western Wall to pray and, as the name of the trip indicates, wish at the wall.
“They really don’t have a chance to just be kids,” Sandhaus said. “This trip allows them to be carefree and enjoy being a kid.”
The trip was cost-free for the children and their parents.
More information on Chai Lifeline and Wish at the Wall is available on their website.
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