A ‘Wish’ come true

Swimming in the Dead Sea, climbing Masada, and praying at the Kotel may seem like typical Israel tour activities–but for participants of Hartman Family Foundation Wish at the Wall, the trip is anything but typical.

The annual 10-day trek–run by Chai Lifeline–is open to Jewish teens who have completed their cancer treatment or are living with a chronic illness. Along with parents and medical staff, the teens experience Israel in a way that is only possible with accommodations that meet their unique needs.

“The Wish at the Wall trip to Israel afforded me an incredible 10 days filled with joy–something that was nearly impossible to imagine in the dark days of treatment,” said Amanda Kauffman, a past trip participant.

“The goal is that the families and children should not feel alone, because one of the worst feelings when you’re sick is that you feel by yourself,” said Rabbi Shlomo Crandall, Director of both Chai Lifeline Midwest and Wish at the Wall.

Family bonding plays an instrumental role in the visit.

Sharon Shapiro, from Chicago, described how talking with other teens and parents helped her son feel the “acceptance and validation” he needed to start processing his “difficult and dangerous journey,” something he had trouble confronting before his voyage.

“Now, my son is starting to talk about what he went through and is beginning to recognize that he is not alone,” Shapiro said.

Kauffman said she will remember this experience for the rest of her life. “I’ll carry with me not only the memories, but the feeling of being a proud Jewish cancer survivor who has finally reached the light at the end of a dark tunnel–and emerged in Israel.”

To learn more about Wish at the Wall and Chai Lifeline, visit chailifeline.org .