While visiting her grandchildren in Israel, Haviva-Elena was hospitalized

Why we opened this campaign

Do you see this photo of a happy family—a young mother with her newborn baby and a grandmother who traveled thousands of kilometers to meet her grandchild? Just days after this moment was captured, their joyful story turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.

Elisheva and Shlomo made Aliyah a few years ago and now live in Beit Shemesh. Recently, they welcomed a beautiful new addition to their family—a newborn baby. On March 3rd, Elisheva’s mother, Haviva-Elena, flew from Minsk, Belarus, to Israel to visit her family and meet her grandchild.

However, just a few days after her arrival, Haviva-Elena suddenly fell seriously ill. Her oxygen levels and blood pressure dropped dangerously low, and her blood sugar spiked beyond normal levels. The family rushed her to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem for urgent medical care.

Despite receiving immediate treatment, her condition continued to deteriorate, and she was moved to the intensive care unit. As of now, she remains under anesthesia, unable to breathe on her own, and fully dependent on life-support machines.

Since Elisheva’s mother is not an Israeli citizen, her medical expenses are not covered by the healthcare system. Moreover, she did not have insurance at the time of her arrival. Every day, every hour, every breath she takes comes at an enormous financial cost that this young family simply cannot afford.

Elisheva and Shlomo have already reached out to family, friends, and acquaintances, but the funds raised so far are not enough. That’s why we are launching this fundraiser—to help save Haviva-Elena’s life.

We are in discussions with the hospital to negotiate discounts for medical services, and we are also exploring the possibility of expedited Aliyah. However, none of these efforts will reduce the overwhelming medical debt that has already accumulated, and it must be paid as soon as possible.

Update on Haviva-Elena — April 10, 2025

From March 8 to March 30, Haviva-Elena was hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem.

She spent eight long days in the intensive care unit, unconscious and fully dependent on life support machines.

On March 20, her condition began to improve — she came out of intensive care and slowly started to regain consciousness. However, the consequences of the illness were severe: doctors diagnosed complete numbness in her right leg. She is currently unable to walk or even stand on her feet.

Haviva-Elena is now staying at her daughter’s home and undergoing daily rehabilitation with a physiotherapist. This process requires time, patience, and significant financial resources.

Since Haviva-Elena is not an Israeli citizen, neither medication nor medical services are covered by the national health fund. All expenses fall on the family.

There is progress. There is hope. But the road to recovery is still ongoing.

We kindly ask: please support Haviva-Elena.