Chronically ill NY Jewish teens get surprise visit from Netanyahu

The youngsters, who have faced significant medical challenges, presented him with a Havdalah candle they crafted at their summer camp, which is used to mark the end of Shabbat on Saturday night.

The trip “is a celebration of resilience, hope and the unwavering spirit of these young individuals,” Chai Lifeline CEO Rabbi Simcha Scholar said. “These teens have faced unimaginable medical challenges, and today’s visit from Prime Minister Netanyahu is a moment they’ll never forget.

“It is a powerful reminder that despite any hardship, they are capable of remarkable things,” the rabbi added in a statement shared by the group.

The Wish at the Wall trip, which began on Feb. 26 and will run through March 9, provides the teenagers and their families the chance to visit the Jewish state’s holy sites and connect with their heritage.

Highlights include visits to the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City, the Judean Desert fortress of Masada and the Dead Sea, as well as meetings with wounded Israeli soldiers and families of hostages held in Gaza.

Many of the participants rely on wheelchairs, walkers or respirators, and their medical needs are fully supported throughout the journey, ensuring they can participate in all activities, Chai Lifeline noted.

The program holds special meaning this year, having been postponed in 2024 due to the war sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel’s south.

“We are deeply grateful to the Hartman and Rosenberg families for making this incredible program possible,” Scholar said.

“This trip allows us to show these teens and their families that despite their medical challenges, they are deserving of joy, hope and the connection to their heritage that this journey provides,” he said.

Chai Lifeline is a global Jewish organization with branches across North America and Europe that provides emotional, social and practical assistance to children and families impacted by illness and crisis.