The basketball players of Hapoel Jerusalem stood in a straight line — a magnificent display of health and height — in the Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem Pediatric Department classroom. Dressed in the team’s red sports apparel, Boaz Motro, almost 13, and a lifelong patient born with a severe and disabling gastrointestinal disease, addressed the players, medical staff and club owner Matan Adelson in both English and Hebrew. In the audience were other sick children, several with IV lines, others sitting in wheelchairs.
"I am thrilled to cheer at games when you win, but I also learn from the dignity you show when you lose,” said Motro.
Prof. Iri Liebergall, the senior orthopedist who has treated injured team members for his entire career, said, "It's no fun to be in a hospital for the holidays, and we thank the team for bringing cheer and light to the department."
For the 28th year, Hapoel Jerusalem players, management and supporters have come to Hadassah Ein Kerem bearing gifts for the sick children and contributing recreation equipment to the departments.
"Your visit here on Hanukkah gives us strength to fight our own battles," said Ido Simi, 15, an oncology patient who lit the Hanukkah candles.
“As the executive director of Hadassah’s Offices in Israel, and as a Jerusalemite and fan of Hapoel, I'm touched to see the positive energy you bring to the children,” said Suzie Patt Benvenisti. You're not only tall — you're larger than life, and this shines through on the court and in person here at Hadassah. On behalf of Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, and our 300,000 members, I thank you for all you do and the staff of the Hadassah Medical Organization, who have been taking care of you for the last 28 years. We commend you and the Hadassah Medical Organization on this continued partnership.”
"The care Hadassah doctors provide the players is amazing: professional care that's given with love and emotional warmth. Together, our teams will continue to win,” said Adelson.
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