ALYNformation

We were proud to bring the spirit of ALYN Hospital to Los Angeles with a very special evening in partnership with Nice Jewish Surfers and the launch of FridayTables LA. More than 150 people gathered for a beautiful Shabbat dinner at a Brentwood home, where they learned about ALYN’s life-changing work helping children with disabilities reach their full potential. The dinner was followed by an after-party that drew 220 attendees, filling the space with energy, connection, and genuine enthusiasm. The overwhelming response showed just how deeply the LA community cares about ALYN’s mission. Guests expressed tremendous interest in staying involved, and we see Los Angeles as one of our most important communities for growth and impact. We’re already looking forward to returning soon to continue building this movement together. More than 25 young professionals have already joined our group chat, and we are finalizing a date in mid-October for our first call.

Ninety years later, that vision endures. ALYN is not just a hospital; it is a community of strength, innovation, and support.

For American Friends of ALYN Hospital (AFAH), this year is ending on a high note. In the past month, we have hosted successful young professional events in Boston and Los Angeles, as well as a terrific parlor meeting about Wheels of Love in Aventura, Florida. Altogether, over 1,000 people participated in AFAH events!

A heartfelt gathering of veteran riders, interested individuals, and both new and previous donors took place in Aventura, FL, at the end of August. During the meeting, we shared important insights about ALYN and the Wheels of Love annual charity event, with presentations in both English and Spanish. Victor expressed his dedication to fundraising for ALYN Hospital. We discussed how the personal donations from members of Team Beitzim helped renovate the shelter space, ensuring that respiratory patients could transition smoothly and continue their schooling and therapy comfortably. With only 90 seconds between the sound of sirens and a potential attack, the renovations were designed to ensure that no child’s treatment or education would be interrupted. The shelter was reimagined into fully functioning classrooms, therapy rooms, and even a reception area. This transformation allows staff to immediately relocate patients and students at the first sign of danger—without sacrificing continuity of care or learning. Every detail of the renovation was made with safety and accessibility in mind. Combining security with functionality, the renovated areas became more than shelters—they became spaces where children can continue their rehabilitation, lessons, and daily routines in an environment that is both safe and supportive for as long as necessary. Following the discussion about the motivations that inspire riders to fundraise and support ALYN Hospital, Victor shared a moving personal reflection on why he continues to ride. He spoke about the powerful sense of community among cyclists—riders who come together from across the globe—and about the determination of the hospital’s strong and inspiring patient team. His words deeply touched everybody in the room as he described the final climb to ALYN, where patients present medals to the riders—a moment of gratitude, connection, and profound meaning. Before the night was over, people were asking about various ways they could donate, as well as questions regarding future rides and other events.

Roee was an outstanding soldier from the start of his army service. Once he joined the IDF's LOTAR anti-terrorist training unit as an officer - and due to the kind of leadership by example that inspires others to give of their best and his unit - it soon became the aspiration of so many of the soldiers who joined LOTAR to serve under Roee and become members of the famed "Team Negri ". In 2022, at the age of 26, Roee became the volunteer Director General of the LOTAR Association, a non-profit organization formed to help graduates and families of graduates of LOTAR on numerous levels. Roee expanded many of the activities of LOTAR. For example, he created a program to which he gave the title "From Instructors of War to Instructors of Life". The Association gives grants to graduates of LOTAR for their academic studies in return for community service. On that fateful Shabbat morning of October 7th, under the command Rav Seren (Major) Roee Negri, "Team Negri" was among the first combat soldiers to reach Kibbutz Beeri and go into action to free families being held hostages by the terrorists. The fighting was fierce, but Roee led his soldiers - as the truly courageous and inspiring leader that he was - from house to house, room to room, freeing family after family held hostage until they reached the last in a row of houses. In line with who Roee was, he was always, fearlessly the first to enter each house. When a terrorist surprised the unit in a corner of a room and threw a grenade, Roee pushed his team back out of its range and shot and killed the terrorist - but he sustained a bullet to his neck, a fatal injury. ​At his funeral, Roee's father ended his eulogy with this question: "If God had told Roee that if he enters that last house he will be killed [but rescue the hostages and protect his team], would he or would he not have entered it?" And with one resounding voice, all the soldiers attending the funeral responded in one voice "הוא היה ניכנס" "HE WOULD HAVE GONE IN"......... And his father repeated the response ending with words, "Yes, he would have....because that was our Roee." Roee and his team saved dozens of Israelis from being killed or kidnapped by Hamas, and all of his 17 soldiers are still in the front lines in Gaza fighting for Israel in the spirit of their beloved commander Roee Negri z"l.* *Roee was the beloved grandson of Brenda Hirsch, Director of Resource Development for ALYN Hospital.

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My name is Marcela Homsany, and I’m excited to join the American Friends of ALYN Hospital team as the new Development Associate. I recently had the opportunity to visit ALYN Hospital in Jerusalem, and I was deeply moved by the incredible dedication and passion of every staff member. Their commitment to the children, their families, and the hospital's healing atmosphere was truly inspiring. One moment that left a lasting impact on me was witnessing a group of mothers participating in group physiotherapy in the rehabilitation unit with their premature babies. The delicate care, resilience, and unwavering devotion of both the mothers and the physiotherapists—helping babies who rely on ventilators learn to breathe on their own—brought me to tears. The staff shared stories about their steadfastness during Operation Rising Lion, highlighting how they worked together, even risking their own lives, to ensure that every child could continue receiving care in a safe environment. The hospital's safe rooms are equipped with essential medical outlets and devices, ensuring that no child’s treatment is interrupted—no matter the circumstances. A little about me: I’m a 2024 graduate of Yeshiva University with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, concentrating in Journalism. During my studies, I contributed to several publications—including The Jerusalem Post, YU Observer, and The Breather—covering topics from geopolitical affairs to local culture. One of the highlights of my journalistic work was conducting an exclusive interview with former Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela about his work with Israel. After graduation, I delved into grant writing, successfully securing funding for multiple institutions through federal grants. I’m excited to bring my skills in relationship building, writing, and digital communication to the team—strengthening our connections with donors and foundations, and supporting the management of American Friends of ALYN Hospital’s social media. Looking forward to making a meaningful impact together!

Every year, hundreds of compassionate people journey to Israel for the opportunity to volunteer, walk, hike, and ride in support of ALYN Hospital, Israel's leading pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation center. This remarkable facility offers hope and transformative care to children facing diverse physical challenges. The funds raised by these dedicated participants in our events allow ALYN to extend its reach and provide rehabilitative care through multidisciplinary therapies to thousands of children each year. These events themselves are just one part of the experience. While in Israel, participants have the chance to tour ALYN Hospital, witnessing firsthand the incredible impact of their fundraising efforts. From the cutting-edge equipment and smiles on the faces of the children who find joy and healing within ALYN’s walls, a visit to this extraordinary place is truly life-changing. Join us for an event that will bring you a whole new sense of community and warmth to your heart. Be a part of making a meaningful difference in the lives of these resilient children in Israel at ALYN Hospital.

ALYN’s Young Professionals program continues to gain momentum, connecting passionate communities across the country around our mission to help children reclaim their independence. In Austin , we partnered with the local group Schmooze for a rooftop gathering that brought together over 100 young Jewish professionals. Guests enjoyed a warm, welcoming atmosphere and heard the moving story of Noam, a child whose journey at ALYN embodies resilience and hope. The energy was electric, and the interest in ALYN’s work was immediate and heartfelt. A week later, we returned to New York City for another standout event with Kibbutz NYC. This time, 237 attendees packed the space for an evening of delicious home-cooked food, community-building, and a powerful talk highlighting Sarah’s story . The response was overwhelming—many left inspired and eager to learn more about ALYN’s work and how they could get involved. This month, we’re heading to Boston , with upcoming events planned in Los Angeles, Chicago , and Miami . The ALYN Young Professionals program is more than a series of events—it’s a growing movement of individuals who care deeply about making a positive impact in the lives of children at ALYN. People are starting to join the Young Professionals Committee, and we are planning our first meeting. Together, we’re building a nationwide network of support, energy, and impact.

Wheels of Love, WOL, ALYN, Hospital, Children, Rehabilitation, Israel, cycling, biking, Mountain, climb, friends, community, fundraising, young professionals, roRosh Hashanah, high holidays, cards, holiday card

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June 2025 Newsletter

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