Finding Light in Darkness
While Israel Mourned on Tisha B’Av, These Sick Children Found Pure Joy”
Sunday, July 7th was Tisha B’Av, one of the most solemn days in the Jewish calendar—a time when we remember our holy temple, our greatest losses, and reflect on the darkness that has touched our people throughout history. It’s a day of mourning, fasting, and contemplation for Jewish communities worldwide.
Yet, in the midst of this remembrance, something beautiful happened at Heal Israel (Or Lacholeh) that perfectly embodies who we are as a healthcare organization and as a people dedicated to healing Israel’s children & families.
Supporting Children with Serious Illness: When Darkness Meets Light
While the world observed this day of mourning, our support team made a conscious choice to bring light into the lives of children battling cancer and other serious illnesses. We organized a special therapeutic activity day that transformed what could have been just another difficult day into something magical for these brave young patients & siblings.
The sounds that filled our space today weren’t those of lamentation, but of pure, unbridled joy:
- Trampolines that lifted more than just bodies—they lifted spirits high into the air
- Fresh popcorn that brought smiles and the simple pleasure of childhood snacks
- A colorful parrot show that filled young eyes with wonder and amazement
- Puppet theater where imagination came alive and laughter echoed through the halls
- Hot pizzas shared among new friends, creating bonds over shared meals
- Sweet treats that made an already special day even brighter
Care Beyond Medicine: The Paradox of Healing
There’s something profoundly meaningful about choosing to create joy on a day traditionally associated with sorrow. It speaks to the very heart of what Or Lacholeh represents—the understanding that healing isn’t just about medical treatment, but about nurturing the human spirit.
These children, who face challenges that would overwhelm many adults, reminded us today of something crucial: even in our darkest moments, light finds a way to shine through. Their laughter, their resilience, their ability to find joy in simple pleasures—it all serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.
A Living Testament to Hope
As these brave young souls bounced on trampolines and laughed at puppet shows, one can’t help but think about the connection between this day and what we witnessed. Tisha B’Av teaches us about loss, about mourning, about the reality of suffering in our world. But it also teaches us about persistence, about the Jewish people’s remarkable ability to survive, rebuild, and find meaning even in the darkest times.
These children embody that same spirit. They’re fighting battles that no child should have to fight, yet they approach each day with courage that inspires everyone around them. They’re writing their own stories of resilience, just as our people have done for thousands of years.
The Power of Community
None of this would have been possible without our incredible community of supporters, volunteers, and donors. Your generosity doesn’t just fund medical treatments—it funds moments like these. It funds the trampolines and the popcorn, the parrot shows and the puppet theaters. It funds hope itself.
When you contribute to Heal Israel (Or Lacholeh), you’re not just supporting an organization; you’re participating in a tradition that goes back millennia—the tradition of caring for the sick, of bringing comfort to those who suffer, of being a light in someone else’s darkness.
Moving Forward
As Israel enters its main summer vacation season, I’m filled with gratitude. Gratitude for our team who chose to serve others on this solemn day. Gratitude for the families who trusted us with their most precious gifts—their children. Gratitude for a community that continues to support our mission.
But most of all, we are grateful for the reminder these children gave us today: that even when we’re facing our greatest challenges, even when the world seems wrapped in darkness, we always have the power to choose light.
Every child deserves to experience the pure joy of being a kid, especially when facing illness. On Tisha B’Av, we didn’t just make that happen—we were reminded why this work is not just our profession, but our calling.
