September 2024 Newsletter
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I write this month’s message during the month of Elul, a time when we begin to prepare for the High Holidays by reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the year ahead. While we recognize this year has been marked by both sorrow and pain, we can also find the positives for which we can be grateful. ALYN Hospital’s lifechanging work ranks highly among the positives.
I write this month’s message during the month of Elul, a time when we begin to prepare for the High Holidays by reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the year ahead.
What a year this past year has been. Beginning with the horrors of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 and the subsequent war, the people of Israel have endured so much pain and suffering. Here in the US, we have seen a scary rise in antisemitism, especially on our college campuses.
However, there is also so much to be grateful for. The work being done at ALYN Hospital is one of those things. Every day, no matter how bad the situation might be, ALYN is providing lifechanging therapies and rehabilitation services to hundreds of children, changing their lives for the better. Not only did ALYN provide its ongoing level of service, but the hospital also pivoted, partially through the efforts of the staff and volunteers at PELE, to adapt to the changing situation. Support is being provided to children who have been evacuated from their homes and to soldiers who have been injured as they work to protect the people of Israel.
This year, on September 27, we celebrate 90 years since the creation of American Friends of ALYN Hospital. We will use this anniversary to celebrate our 90 years of supporting the rehabilitative journeys of so many children and begin the process of looking forward to the decade ahead when we will celebrate 100 years in existence.
Thank you to each of you who has given generously in support of AFAH and, as a result, have enabled us to make a major difference for so many. Without your support, none of this could happen.
As we turn to the celebration of the High Holidays, may we join in prayer for health, happiness, prosperity, and peace.
Am Yisrael Chai!
A RISE IN FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER CASES SINCE OCTOBER 7
Since the traumatic events of October 7 and the prolonged war since, ALYN Hospital has seen an increase in the number of patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a functional physical condition (i.e. pain, paralysis) without an organic cause that is brought about because of emotional distress. While the root cause is psychological, treatment must be a combination of mental health work as well as physical rehabilitation. The combination has been shown to be successful.
Given ALYN’s holistic approach, a child with FND can receive all the services he/she needs in one place. ALYN has been treating FND for 15 years and is considered an expert. Many doctors will refer children to ALYN over other pediatric facilities as a result.
Dr. Emmanuel Kornitzer, Director of the Pediatric Rehabilitation and Day Hospitalization Departments at ALYN Hospital, recently published the following article on the topic:
THE AFAH TEAM WELCOMES ALEXANDER BAUMAN, DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our American Friends of ALYN team, Alexander Bauman, who joins us as our Development Associate. With his extensive experience in community engagement, donor relations, Israel advocacy and client education, Alex is poised to make a significant impact on our mission.
WHEELS OF LOVE 2024: UPDATE
We are less than two months away from our 24th annual Wheels of Love (WOL) ride to benefit the children of ALYN Hospital! This year’s ride is scheduled November 11-14 and has been dedicated to the memory of Yakir Hexter, z”l, a WOL cyclist who was killed in action fighting in Gaza.
We are hoping to be able to ride in Israel this November. However, due to the continuing hostilities in the Middle East, we are also offering alternative ways to support the children of ALYN Hospital.
May this year bring peace and celebration.
From, AFAH Board and Staff