“The undisputable highlight of the trip was visiting the Kosel, and the opportunity to daven at the holiest site on Earth”

Happening in Jerusalem

The past few weeks have brought devastating heartbreak, and our collective yearning for Mashiach has only grown stronger. But the desperate search for a heavenly smile, a spark from within the thunderclouds, need not come up empty. The Hartman Family Foundation Wish at the Wall program is an eagerly anticipated annual Chai Lifeline initiative. This past week teens and young adults living with disabilities and chronic illnesses, accompanied by their parents, had the opportunity to visit Eretz Yisrael. For many of them, this was their first time in Artzeinu Hakedoshah, and the excitement was tangible.

With wheelchairs and walkers, respirators in tow, and accompanying medical support staff, the group, who ranged from chassidic to little or no religious affiliation, traversed the country. They visited Masada, the Golan Heights and the Kineret, bonding as a group, united by shared challenges.

Yet the undisputable highlight of the trip was visiting the Kosel, and the opportunity to daven at the holiest site on Earth. More than the hikes, jeeping and iconic camel rides, the Kosel trip underscored that while united by challenge, they were blessed by a shared heritage — and a Father to rely on.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 949)