Israeli cancer patients have the time of their lives in South Africa

GILLIAN KLAWANSKY

The event was just one example of the unbelievable hospitality enjoyed by kids on the annual Chaiyanu Hope Tour to South Africa. Involving an 11-day trip to South Africa, the tour is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the chance for young Israelis to connect with the South African Jewish community.

Volunteer families here host some of the kids for Shabbat, and cater for lively breakfasts and dinners. “Every meal is a party. We’ve had drum circles, laser tag, and now motorbikes,” says Elad Maimon, the chief executive of Chaiyanu. “This is the best trip because of the people here. The Jewish community in South Africa is the most amazing Jewish community in the world, there’s no question about it.”

Currently in its ninth year, the Chaiyanu Hope Tour runs separate trips for boys and girls on alternate years. It’s just one programme Israeli organisation Chaiyanu offers as part of its daily initiatives to support kids facing cancer.

“The doctors always say that when the kids come back from these trips, everything’s changed,” says Maimon. “They have a reason to carry on with life, and they fight harder. It affects everything for them.”

The boys on the Hope Tour this year have been to Cape Town, sailed on yachts, travelled up Table Mountain, and travelled in sports cars before coming to Johannesburg. “Someone even gave R2 500 to each boy to go shopping,” says Maimon, “they went crazy!” The SA Jewish Report waved the boys off as they left for their last stop on the tour – Zebula Game Lodge.

South African Liran Assness, who together with his wife Tamara hosted the Harley Davidson breakfast, described how he got involved in Chaiyanu. “A few years ago, when the Chaiyanu group spent a Shabbat at our shul, we hosted a few kids. One boy stayed at us for Shabbat, and we formed a bond.”

Visibly emotional, Assness spoke of how the boy passed away last year. “He taught me about strength, and to really appreciate what you’ve got. He was so positive. So, every year, we do something for Chaiyanu. We have a connection with it. It’s so important to have something like this, which brings joy to kids’ lives.”

Ronnie and Alan Kaplan, the directors of Chaiyanu South Africa, explain how important organisations like Chaiyanu are.

“The Hope Tour helps the children get their mind off their illness,” says Alan. “Coming to South Africa and enjoying all the amazing things the people put out for them changes their perception of their world.” “I’ve also spoken to the doctors, and they understand that if you take them out of their daily environment for ten days, it can change everything. From a hospital bed to this! Nothing can beat it,” Says Ronnie.

Speaking to some of the boys, it becomes clear just how beneficial the Hope Tour is. A 21-year-old boy, who prefers not to be named, expresses how excited he is to be on the trip.

“I almost couldn’t come as my doctors wouldn’t allow me, but on the last day, they gave me the go ahead. It was amazing. This trip has given me power, energy, and hope. “The only thing I knew about South Africa before I came was the Soccer World Cup, and it’s just been amazing – the community, the place, and the experiences.”

For 15-year-old Ne’orai from Tzfat, riding a jet ski on the Vaal River was a definite highlight. “Everyone being together, and the community here has made the trip so special,” he smiles. Asked what keeps him going through his illness, he simply says, “I know it’s all from Hashem.”

Chaim, a 21-year-old suffering from bowel lymphoma, says the trip has had a massive impact on him. “I can’t explain how this tour has helped me, it’s something very special,” he says. “It’s my first trip overseas. After all the treatment and the hospitals, and being in that depressing place, to suddenly go out and enjoy life and see that my body can work as it’s supposed to has helped so much. And all the amazing, good people here have helped too.”

Chaim’s not just battling an illness, he’s also moved away from his parents and the Haredi community in which he grew up. “In South Africa, the people are Haredi too and, in the beginning, I was worried because I didn’t know how it would be,” he says. “I have to say though that they’ve all been such good people. In Israel there aren’t communities like this. Everyone here just accepts you for who you are, they open their homes and their hearts. They welcome you in, and make you feel like you’re worth something.

“Being with kids going through the same thing as I am is great,” says 12-year-old Gilad. “They understand you like others can’t [understand you]. I’ve made good friends here, and we’ll keep in touch. When I get home, I’m going to be happier. It’s definitely going to help me.”