By: Nativia Samuelsen

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem recently donated a fully equipped ambulance to provide essential medical transportation for disabled children in Israel.

For years, families in Israel hid their disabled children from the world. Now, these children are finally stepping into the light of day.

“This ambulance is a gift of life, donated with love by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem,” said ICEJ Senior Vice President & Spokesman David Parsons, admiring the recently dedicated ambulance that provides daily support to children and adults. “I’m really impressed with how this ambulance is custom-made, roomy and so well equipped for the special needs of these children.”

The ambulance is a crucial part of crisis preparedness. Moreover, it offers gentle care by staff who know each child’s unique care needs, which is essential for individuals with severe disabilities and helps to prevent instances of broken bones. Tailored to each child’s needs, it is truly life-changing.

Upon arrival at the dedication event, the facility buzzed with the energy of dedicated volunteers and nurses, all passionately tending to the residents.

Nili Wittman, the Clinical Head Nurse, and her team extended a warm welcome, guiding us through a building alive with the joyful faces of children who call it home. With 90 individuals in permanent residence and a remarkable caregiver-to-patient ratio of one-to-one, every child receives consistent and attentive care. On the fourth floor, Nili explained the specialised care for those with the most complex conditions, “We house some of the most intricate cases of disability in Israel. Few facilities are equipped to take them,” she said. Each child receives holistic and tailored care, with constant adjustments made to ensure the highest standards are met.

Nili continued, “Doctors often advise us not to become too attached, as the prognosis can be grim. Yet, the children here celebrate birthday after birthday, full of life and hope. Just like Yehuda, despite being told he would not survive, we have just celebrated his second birthday.”

Ruthi, who resides in London, shared her story as her youngest daughter shyly hid behind her. “We came here because it’s the only place where my child can truly thrive,” Ruthi said. “My son, now three and a half, has been here for two years, and the change has been incredible. In London, doctors told us he would need surgery and would not be able to eat by mouth. But here, literally, within a week, things shifted. It was life-changing. If he had not come here, honestly, I do not want to think about what would have happened.”

The impact of the work was echoed as Emily, a caregiver from South Africa who has been working there for two years, enthusiastically shared her experience. “I tried to leave,” she said with a laugh, “but my connection with the children and the staff made it impossible. I am deeply moved by the work we do here. Although I am a trained nurse back home, the care we provide to these children is incredibly fulfilling. It is a privilege to be part of this work.”

As we returned to the newly dedicated ambulance, children and staff celebrated its official unveiling. ICEJ Vice President of AID & Aliyah Nicole Yoder and David Parsons joined in cutting the ribbon.

Sitting down, David Parsons turned to Yehuda Marmorstein, CEO of Aleh, and asked, “What inspired you to do this work?”

“One day, as I was searching for purpose in life, I received a call from a distant cousin inviting me to a funeral. ‘Who passed away?’ I asked, only to learn it was his four-year-old son. I was shocked. I often visited, but I never saw him. He then told me his child had severe autism—he never saw the light of day or left the house. The parents never went anywhere together; one of them always stayed behind to care for him, hiding him from the world. I asked, ‘Why did you do this?’ My cousin replied, ‘There are many families like this. I can show you many of us in the community.’”

“In shock, when I got home, I told my wife, ‘This is my mission.’ Since then, we began building a kindergarten and hospital. Forty-one years later, we are still committed to this cause,” he continued.

For years, families in Israel hid their disabled children from the world. Now, with support available, these children are finally stepping into the light. Excited staff member Reuben Stern shared, “Yehuda sparked a revolution in the community. No longer are these children stigmatized; they are embraced and loved.” Families have found freedom from the shame that once kept them silent.

David Parsons remarked, “This serves as a profound lesson for us as Christians. Every life is a universe unto itself. We have learned that special needs children require a special kind of love, and when you open your heart, you find that this special love is drawn out by the children.”

Nicole Yoder added, “The dedication of the staff and the joy on the children’s faces deeply touches my heart. It makes every effort worthwhile. Witnessing the love and dedication, as well as the smiles, fills us with immense joy. It is a true privilege to be part of this meaningful work.”

The ambulance, generously sponsored by Christians in Germany, will provide crucial support and ensure that each child receives the care they need daily.

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem remains committed to enhancing lives in Israel, working diligently to ensure every individual has the opportunity to thrive and build a better future.

Thank you for supporting our Israel in Crisis fund at: help.icej.org/crisis

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