Miraculous Rescue by Hatzolah Air of Sick Jewish Boy in Panama

(VINnews) — A miraculous rescue took place of a frum 13 year old boy in Panama. Many selfless people were involved in the amazing story, including Hatzolah Air rescue teams, and the effort was coordinated by Hillel Fuld, an American entrepreneur who resides in Israel and has a large social media following.

On Friday Mr. Fuld shared the powerful story on Facebook.

On Monday night, Chol Hamoed, his mother called “and had some scary news”. Phyllis and Murray Kuhr, friends of Hillel’s parents who were at the same Pesach hotel as the Fulds in Israel, had a 13 year old grandson who was with his family in Panama for Pesach. “Out of nowhere, he started having very scary seizures. His parents were obviously terrified, a fear that was significantly amplified being in a foreign country and not knowing anyone or how the medical system works.”

Hillel tweeted to his followers “Do I know anyone in Panama? It’s important.”

His post continued, “I am not even slightly exaggerating when I say that Bruce Gurfein, one of his contacts, replied to me on Twitter asking me what I needed in less than 10 seconds from when I sent the tweet. He wrote ‘Panama, if you need emergency medical help, I have a contact.’”

“Within a matter of MINUTES, the family was in touch with the local Jewish medical professionals who immediately sprung into action and brought the kid to…a much better hospital.

Then Hillel’s wife Racheli “had a brilliant idea!” She suggested that he reach out to Hatzolah Air.

Fuld ‘Whatsapp’d’ Eli Rowe and Avishai Neuman, with whom he has a long relationship, and told them “to get the plane ready.” At that point, it was only hours before Yom Tov was to start.

Then Hillel turned off his phone for Yom Tov and had no idea what the outcome was. It turns out, the doctors diagnosed Lev with an imperfection in his heart, something he was born with but had not been discovered till now. That hole in his heart led to a clot, which led to the seizures caused by a stroke.

Fuld continued, “The medical professionals at the new hospital were able to diagnose him but he needed better care and he needed it fast. Half of his body was paralyzed and he needed urgent help. So Eli Rowe fired up his jet engine and had his team fly to Panama to save Lev’s life. Obviously at no charge! After the holiday was over, Lev was already in America at a hospital where he was given the best care.”

Fuld posted an email that he received from Lev’s uncle who was extremely grateful. Here is an excerpt: “My brother was experiencing the worst moments of his life. His son seizing uncontrollably and unresponsive in a foreign country. Within an hour of him arriving at the remote hospital, Marvin and Dudu arrived.

My brother told me that the sight of men in Kipot who took control of the situation made my brother feel that everything would be okay. He had no way of knowing that these two righteous men would put their own lives on hold for three days and nights and stay with him throughout his traumatic stay, seeing to his every need. Many people have connections. Your willingness, Hillel, to use the connections you have made to help others is truly extraordinary. You have helped so many people in so many ways and you may have been the key to saving Lev’s life.

I and my family are so grateful to you and hope you know only success and joy for yourself and your family.”

Fuld observed the significance of the boy’s name “Lev” which means heart.

He posted, “Lev is doing much better, getting stronger by the minute, and is hopefully on his way to a full recovery.”

B’chasdei Hashem, many extremely caring people were able to coordinate this truly miraculous, likely life-saving effort. Mi K’Amcha Yisrael.