Man Finds Strength in Children's Rehabilitation After Witnessing Trauma
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Meir Broder, exposed to severe trauma from October 7th at the National Center of Forensic Medicine, found renewed strength by volunteering with children at ALYN Hospital for Children. He participates in the "Wheels of Love" cycling tour to raise funds for the hospital's rehabilitation programs. Broder stated that the children's resilience and determination in their rehabilitation process inspire him and help him cope with his own difficulties.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Meir Broder found strength in volunteering with children at ALYN Hospital after witnessing October 7th trauma.
- He described the scenes at the National Center of Forensic Medicine as "the embodiment of evil."
- Broder volunteers with the "Fast and Brave" cycling rehabilitation group at ALYN.
- He is participating in the "Wheels of Love" cycling tour to raise funds for ALYN.
- Broder stated the children's resilience inspires him and helps him cope with his struggles.
Meir Broder, who was exposed to harrowing scenes at the National Center of Forensic Medicine following the October 7th attacks, found a source of strength and "air to breathe" through an unexpected avenue: volunteering with children undergoing rehabilitation at the ALYN Hospital for Children. Broder described the sights he witnessed as "the embodiment of evil," stating that the pain and images continue to haunt him, leaving him in a "very dark place."
He discovered solace by joining the "Fast and Brave" group, a program at ALYN that utilizes cycling for rehabilitation. Broder has been volunteering weekly for the past three years, supporting children who face physical challenges. He noted that despite his own personal difficulties, he made an effort not to miss any training sessions.
Broder is now participating in the "Wheels of Love" annual cycling tour organized by Friends of ALYN to raise funds for the hospital's extensive rehabilitation activities. Participants from around the world join the tour, and upon completion, they receive medals from the hospitalized children in a moving ceremony.
"You come to a place where children are dealing with walking limitations or difficulty with basic physical activity, and when you see them striving and undergoing a significant process, and despite their limitations, they manage to 'conquer' significant climbs and ride many kilometers, it gives you strength," Broder shared. He added that these children teach him that "the sky is the limit" and are a source of inspiration, helping him cope with his own struggles. Broder contrasted his work at the forensic medicine institute, which he described as "the saddest, darkest, and most abysmal place," with the ALYN group, which he sees as "the place with the most light and good deeds."