A Life-Saving Journey to Israel
Amanihon Desta Chakul a 6-year-old boy from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was diagnosed last year with a congenital heart defect causing severe narrowing of the main artery. This condition significantly impacted his daily functioning. While doctors in Addis Ababa recommended a complex open-heart surgery, Amanihon’s family decided to wait for treatment in Israel as they planned to reunite with relatives in Lod.
Upon their arrival in Israel, the family was referred to a community cardiologist and then to Dr. Yael Garti, head of the pediatric cardiology unit at Kaplan Medical Center. Dr. Garti recommended a catheterization procedure at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, led by Professor Einat Birk. Just two weeks after arriving in Israel, Amanihon underwent the successful procedure. After only two days of recovery, he was discharged in excellent condition.
“I Will Give You a New Heart”
In Jewish tradition, immigration to Israel is often seen as a renewal of one’s essence, rooted in the prophecy of Ezekiel: “I will give you a new heart.” For Amanihon, this prophecy came to life in the most literal sense.
A Testament to Israel’s Values
Dr. Elhanan Brookheimer, head of catheterization at Schneider, highlighted the profound human story behind Amanihon’s medical journey. “The family’s immigration to Israel enabled access to advanced medical care here. This is more than a medical success—it’s a heartwarming story of a boy who received life-saving treatment swiftly and efficiently, embodying the core values of Israel: gathering exiles, saving lives, and caring for every child.
“We are grateful to have been part of this journey and wish Amanihon and his family a healthy and happy life in Israel,” Dr. Brookheimer added.
