Each year as Passover approaches, we are called to do more than just retell the story of our Exodus from Egypt—we are expected to imagine that we, ourselves, are going through this experience. This journey is not only the story of our ancestors. It is a story being written right now, one painstaking step at a time, by the children of ALYN Hospital.

Each year, as Passover approaches, we are invited to do more than retell an ancient story—we are called to live its deepest truth. The journey from bondage to freedom is not only the story of our ancestors. It is the story being written right now, one painstaking step at a time, by the children of ALYN Hospital. ALYN Hospital is Israel’s only pediatric rehabilitation center—a place where children with the most complex physical challenges come to fight for their independence. These are children who have survived catastrophic injuries, debilitating illness, and conditions present since birth. They arrive at ALYN dependent. They leave transformed. For them, freedom is not a destination. It is the first step taken. A breath drawn without a machine. A word spoken after months of silence. As American Friends of ALYN Hospital, we are the bridge that makes these miracles possible. Your gift—made right here in the United States—directly funds the life-changing treatments, advanced therapies, and innovative equipment that give these children a fighting chance. With your support, a child can receive a ventilator to breathe, and begin to speak after a traumatic brain injury, or take their first independent steps after years in a wheelchair.

The Israeli archery team arrived at the "ALYN" Children and Youth Rehabilitation Hospital in Jerusalem, and held a joint training session with the archery group of children treated at the veteran medical institution. Among the team's athletes were the new European champion in the mixed doubles competition, Michaela Moshe (Maccabi Tel Aviv), the 2024 European champion and Israeli record holder, Shamai Yamarom (Maccabi Archers First), and archer Yehuda Cohen (Maccabi Archers Jerusalem). The connection between Alin and the archery team happened naturally. The hospital, which is considered the only one in the country specializing in the rehabilitation of children and youth, established an archery group several years ago, due to the fact that archery is considered a therapeutic sport recommended as a rehabilitation activity. In fact, archery allows children to see themselves not only as patients, but as active participants in the process of growth and development. The children treated at the hospital met the team representatives, and for several hours enjoyed a welcome and empowering leisure activity. The archery group at the hospital is a project jointly led by archery instructor Eliyahu Berlowitz-Levin and physiotherapist Amichai Gutman. Dr. Maurit Beeri , CEO of Alyn Hospital: "Archery is an innovative and unique addition that integrates into rehabilitation activities at Alyn because it does not require walking or running abilities, and combines strengthening back muscles, hand-eye coordination, concentration on a goal, and age-appropriate social activity. As such, it joins a host of activities that encourage children's motivation to improve as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation process." Amit Shiner-Dandkar , Chairman of the Archery Association: "Archery can be adapted to any person and any physical limitation, and beyond its physical-motor benefits, it has a special empowering power. We were happy to come with the archers of the Israeli national team for a joint training session with the archery team that trains at the hospital, believing that the meeting would be meaningful for both the young archers at Alyn and the archers of the national team, and it was exciting and heart-warming to see the connection between them." About Alyn Hospital: Alyn Hospital treats children with complex physical problems that affect their development, including children who have been injured in accidents, survived serious illnesses, are dealing with birth defects, are recovering from advanced orthopedic surgeries, and more. Alyn has full hospitalization departments, day hospitalization, multi-team clinics, a therapeutic sports system, and more. Alyn has an innovation center that operates a system of solutions that are individually manufactured for children, as well as the ALYNnovation project that works with startup companies and international organizations leading to significant breakthroughs in the world of child rehabilitation.

By this point in January, most of us have already let go of at least a few New Year’s resolutions. Life gets busy, routines return, and good intentions often fall by the wayside. But at ALYN Hospital, there is no giving up.

Two new, innovative learning spaces have recently been unveiled at ALYN Rehabilitation Hospital , creating joyful environments where children and teens can learn, create, and connect while continuing their rehabilitation journeys. Designed with care, creativity, and intention, these multipurpose activity rooms reflect ALYN’s commitment to treating the whole child—not only through clinical therapy but also through play, exploration, and meaningful engagement. Filled with therapeutic toys, games, and hands-on activities, the spaces invite children to move, imagine, and interact in ways that feel natural and fun. One of the most exciting features is a ceiling-mounted projection system that brings interactive games directly onto the floor. These games encourage children to stand, walk, crawl, jump, and explore movement at their own pace—turning therapy into an experience that feels more like play. Through this innovative technology, mobility, coordination, and confidence are strengthened in an environment filled with laughter and encouragement.  These new spaces were made possible thanks to the support of SASA Setton and generous contributions from partners who believe deeply in ALYN’s mission. Their support is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that thoughtful initiatives can have on young lives. At ALYN, every detail matters. These new learning spaces are more than rooms—they are places where children discover what they can do, build independence, and experience the joy of progress, one step, jump, or game at a time.

Over the past few months, our events have created space for people to connect—through movement, learning, and shared experiences—while getting to know the work of American Friends of ALYN Hospital (AFAH). We kicked things off with a Barry’s Bootcamp class in Chelsea with Barry's , Empowered2Sweat, Moishe House, and Jukebox. These high-energy events brought together people from different circles and sparked new connections around a shared goal. Later in December, we gathered in Miami for a Challah Braid & Learn in Aventura—an evening filled with conversation, tradition, and learning—followed by a Pilates class in Miami Beach with Club Allenby that offered a more relaxed way to come together. Across all of these events, the focus stayed the same: building relationships and raising awareness for AFAH’s mission.

At 18, Mati Weiss rides a hand-powered bicycle after paralysis, while her coach Ohad Tanami carries the weight of war and loss together, they joined 300 cyclists and 17 rehabilitating children to complete a journey halted by war two years ago. Thirty kilometers in, on a cold night, in open terrain near Modi’in, a flat tire brings everything to a halt. Mati Weiss, 18, sits on her bicycle reading a book, waiting patiently as her coach, Ohad Tanami, fixes the punctured wheel. As he works, Ohad finds himself thinking of a sentence his battalion commander, Nati Alkobi, used to repeat: “Do the very best, and then a little more, and we will have a different country.” Nati was killed in combat in Khan Younis, four days before the end of Ohad’s first reserve duty rotation in the war. The sentence stayed with him. It accompanied them not only throughout the 260 kilometers of the cycling journey completed by Mati, Ohad and the rest of the group, but throughout the emotional journey they have traveled since October 7. “After Nati was killed, I needed time for myself,” Ohad shares. “I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress. I lost close friends. I felt I couldn’t commit to a journey like the one we did the year before.” After several months, he decided to return. For Mati. For himself. For Nati. READ MORE

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After a tragic road accident that nearly cost him his leg, Amri spent months in rehabilitation at ALYN Hospital before returning home to his friends and family—and along the way, his parents shared a message that stayed with us: "In a magical city, between mountains and quiet neighborhoods, there is a place like no other. Anyone lucky enough to arrive here discovers something wondrous, a home filled with superheroes disguised as everyday heroes, angels in the form of nurses and caregivers, and musicians conducting the orchestra in the shapes of doctors and therapists. Four months ago, we came here lost and hurting. Between long days and longer nights, within the walls of the ward, you lit a light for us, a light of gentleness, of patience, of boundless humanity. In a difficult time, you became our anchor, the steady hand that held us when our strength trembled, and the wide, wordless embrace that carried us forward. You do not only heal wounds, you also restore faith. You do not only treat the body, you also touch the soul. Thank you for being the light in our healing journey, for turning pain into hope…"

Article by Steven Stark Lowenstein in The Times of Israel

This November, we are kicking off the month with community, movement, and more! November 3–6, you joined us in Israel at Wheels of Love and were able to see firsthand the incredible multi-disciplinary approaches ALYN Hospital uses to make each child’s state-of-the-art therapy fun, effective, and long-lasting, allowing them to ride with us through the mountains of Galilee and beyond!  Whether it be hydrotherapy on the rooftop pool, physical therapy and diagnosing using Virtual Reality, or mobility exercises in the hospital, each form of therapy is crafted by a team of experienced experts who prioritize reintegration and management of the patient and family needs inside and outside the hospital. And it all starts with getting active.

Every day, children at ALYN push boundaries and take new steps toward independence. By following us on social media, you’ll get a front-row seat to their inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on how American Friends of ALYN supports these incredible children. We’re now on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn —and most recently, TikTok ! Our feeds offer more than just updates: you’ll see the dedication of ALYN’s therapists, get a glimpse inside our innovation space, PELE, and witness the amazing progress children achieve every day. You’ll also stay up to date on Wheels of Love, Heels of Love, our Young Professionals Program, and other events that help raise awareness for ALYN and AFAH. When you follow, like, share, or comment, you’re helping spread awareness and grow our community of supporters. Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and TikTok to see hope in action and help children reach their fullest potential.

Expanding its mission of hope and healing in Israel, the Gilat Foundation held its first annual gala at the ALYN Hospital  rehabilitation center for children and adolescents on October 5 with an intimate evening performance by Ishay Ribo, whose inspirational music is a soundtrack of hope and healing to many. Founded in memory of Gilat Eisenmann, a vibrant 11-year-old girl who passed away in 2008, the Gilat Foundation provides therapeutic live theater to children in hospitals in the Netherlands, Curaçao, and now Israel. The organization’s first large-scale local fundraiser was created to educate the public about the critical role therapeutic theater plays in pediatric care, particularly during times of national trauma, and help expand the performances from four to eight hospitals in the country.

As I walk down the steps of the rolling hills of Jerusalem, I breathe in the fresh air, taking in my surroundings. There are children of all ages, laughing, running, rolling, swimming, gardening—filling the atmosphere with a sense of joy and strength you’d think belonged only in fiction novels. You see, this isn’t any

June 2025 Newsletter

June 2025 Newsletter

June 2025 Newsletter