SACH, The Heart of Israel @75

As Israel celebrates its 75^th birthday, I would like to bring attention to an organization that represents all that is good about Israel.  When I guide groups around Israel I endeavor to arrange a volunteering visit to “Save a Child’s Heart” (SACH) in Holon to counter the bad rap Israel receives in the mainstream media.

Volunteering at SACH. Photo (c) T. Book, 2023

The Save a Child’s Heart organization provides life-saving cardiac surgery and other life saving procedures for children from developing countries and the Palestinian Authority free of charge. In addition, the organization trains doctors to become pediatric cardiologists in their countries of origin. According to the mission statement on its website SACH is,

An Israeli-based international humanitarian project, whose mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children from developing countries who suffer from heart disease and to create centers of competence in these countries, SACH is totally dedicated to the idea that every child deserves the best medical treatment available, regardless of the child’s nationality, religion, colour, gender or financial situation.

So much for “Apartheid Israel.” My groups volunteer at the recuperation center where the children and their parents, or caregivers, from developing countries are either preparing, or recuperating from, the surgery that will allow them to live normal lives. Many of my participants are deeply moved and ask why there is so little awareness and appreciation in the outside world for all the good that Israel does for the world.  Daniel Gordis succinctly sums it up when he states that, in addition to striving for the benefit our own citizens,

This country has become a country, with all of its imperfections, that sees as part of its purpose as looking out for other people.

One of the SACH Doctors is Dr Sagi, whom I am honored to call my friend.  Dr Sagi observed, “It is a mission to act on intensions that come from the heart and an honor to touch another’s heart.”  Many of my friends, both Jewish and non-Jewish, are deeply moved my stories of my participation on the SACH mission to Tanzania to screen and do follow-up on patients & climb Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for SACH, and the selfless work of Dr. Sagi and the other physicians and team members of SACH.

Volunteering at Save a Child’s Heart. Photo (c) T. Book, 2023

When they see the images of the Israeli field hospitals and search and rescue teams after any natural or military disaster zones in the world, including most recently in Ukraine and Turkey, they ask why there is so little awareness and appreciation in the outside world for all the good that Israel does for the world.  Israel will continue to provide aid and assistance to all those who need help, because it is the right thing to do. It’s in our genes. Together, we will overcome the darkness, and rebuild for a brighter future.

Dr Sagi and Tuvia during a visit of the Write On for Israel mission to the Sylvan Adams Children’s Hospital at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. Photo (c) T. Book, 2023

❤️ SAVE A CHILD’S HEART (SACH) saves the lives of critically ill children suffering from heart disease in countries where access to pediatric heart care is limited or nonexistent.

❤️ SACH is bringing hope to families, communities, and countries through bringing children to Israel for medical care, performing missions abroad, and training medical personnel.

❤️  SACH is transforming pediatric cardiac care around the world.  SACH mends hearts regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or financial status.

Please help support this wonderful organization, and saving children’s lives by donating on the link below:

https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/95439/about