The 'Enlightening': 14-Year-Olds Mobilize to Save Little Naor's Life

Hila Afik may not be eighteen yet, but she found herself managing an extensive fundraising campaign over the past six months, all for a little boy struck by a terrible illness.

"I have a group of amazing young mentees, and about half a year ago, I delivered a session about Dror Weinberg, of blessed memory," Hila recounts about how it all began. "We talked about his bravery, and following that session, an intriguing discussion emerged about people who rise up and do what's needed. I noticed the girls were interested, so I suggested that we, too, try to launch a project in the same spirit. A project that would allow us to join a heroic mission and fight for it wholeheartedly."

At that moment, Hila didn't even realize what she was getting into. "We came up with a lot of ideas," she recalls, "most weren't relevant or feasible, but then we heard about three-year-old Naor Elbaz, battling cancer for the third time. We learned about his difficult story, as this is a child who, from almost the moment he was born, doesn't know what it means to be at home, but is always in hospitalizations and treatments. We decided to help him."

All for Naor

Hila explains that the major help was needed because Naor was flown to New York with his family for a specific treatment. This treatment had been given to three children from Israel and had helped them overcome the disease. At a certain point, the doctors halted the treatment and informed the parents they would continue only if the required funds were provided. The amount reached about $200,000.

Hila Afik

"We immediately decided to mobilize for them," she notes, "We were clear that we wanted to help such a small child fighting for his life and were willing to do everything necessary. Initially, the fundraising mission seemed impossible to us. After all, we're just a group of girls, how successful could we be in raising the needed amount? But the family was so happy and appreciative of every amount and help offered to them, and it gave us the strength to fight and continue."

Additionally, what strengthened them along the way were pictures of the child sent to them directly from abroad. "Every day we looked at pictures of Naor before treatments—a small, happy child, and during the treatments, when his eyes were dim and his whole body cried for help. It infused in us the need to assist him. One mentee brought all the money her sister received for her Bat Mitzvah, another traveled across the country to collect donations. The girls also thought of creative ways and managed to engage all the residents of the nearby communities for the cause."

These days, Hila and her mentees are concluding their fundraising mission, and Hila is certain that the mission benefited not only Naor but also themselves. "As a guide, I strive to teach my mentees on many important topics, but there is no more powerful learning than that done through action."

Weren't your young mentees troubled by encountering such a painful subject?

"My mentees are 14-15 years old, all from Nof Ayalon and the area. Of course, it was very, very painful for all of us to see Naor in such a state. Some couldn't sleep at night because it touched their hearts so deeply. Initially, some mothers talked to me and noted that perhaps this wasn't the right step and that it might traumatize the girls. But as we progressed, I received more and more encouragement from parents who saw how much the operation benefited not just Naor's family but also the girls themselves, who became more mature and learned to appreciate every moment of health and life. Ironically, the mother who was most concerned, eventually took on raising a significant portion of the amount herself. We really saw how it benefited us all. Now, we all eagerly await the conclusion of the fundraising, and mainly, Naor's quick recovery. Only then will our joy be complete."

In honor of the month of Kislev, Hidabroot invites you to collect stories of light and glory about people who light the way. Do you know such people? You are welcome to send their details todebi@htv.co.il,or write about them yourself. Let's spread the great light together!