News of the visit of the Gavad of the Eida HaChareidis of
Yerushalayim, HaRav Yitzchok Tuvia Weiss, to London, was
received with unusual enthusiasm by the members of that
city's Jewish community. The Gavad is traveling to London
especially to grace the gala dinner for the benefit of the
Shaarei Marpeh chessed organization with his presence.
The excitement generated by his forthcoming visit encompasses
all sectors of London's Torah observant community.
Special plans are being made by London's philanthropists and
communal leaders in honor of the gala dinner, which will
constitute a unique kiddush Sheim Shomayim, and an
expression of appreciation for the outstanding chessed
and hatzoloh activities of Shaarei Marpeh.
The Gavad's decision to attend that dinner in London, despite
his many responsibilities and heavy schedule, stems from his
deep respect for Shaarei Marpeh, headed by Rav Avrohom Chaim
Cheshin, who is well known for his dedication to Jews in need
of medical care.
Shaarei Marpeh, which offers assistance in a broad variety of
medical areas to all who seek it, has gained worldwide
acclaim for its efforts to ease the suffering of the sick and
the distress of their families.
One of its main projects is a medical consultation service,
coordinated by the organization's chairman Rav Cheshin, who
monitors the treatment of these patients, using his vast
connections with the world's top-ranking doctors.
Another project is its free ambulance service which transfers
patients back and forth from hospitals or to clinics for
urgent and/or regular treatments. On Shabbos and Yom
Tov, these ambulances are driven by non-Jews. This Rosh
Hashonoh, 65 patients were driven to hospitals for urgent,
life-saving dialysis treatments.
Shaarei Marpeh also sponsors special Shabbos clinics in many
central places, a factor which prevents much chilul
Shabbos as well as much suffering on the part of Torah
observant Jews who at times refrain from seeking vital
medical care on Shabbos due to their fear of desecrating that
sacred day.
The Raavad of the Eida HaChareidis, HaRav Yisroel Yaakov
Fisher zt"l, used to praise Shaarei Marpeh for its
outstanding activities and in particular Rav Cheshin, who was
very close to him. In addition, HaRav Fisher personally urged
donors and philanthropists to rally to the aid of this unique
organization. When HaRav Fisher himself was very ill, he
would go for treatments only in Shaarei Marpeh's ambulances,
in order to underscore the organization's uniqueness.
Shaarei Marpeh also distributes thousands of warm meals to
patients and their companions every single day. In addition,
it offers sizable financial aid to families in economic
distress due to medical expenses.
The jewels in Shaarei Marpeh's crown are its clubs for
special children, which were founded to help both these
children and their families.
At one meeting on behalf of these clubs, held in the home of
HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, one parent described the tremendous
difficulties involved in caring for an autistic child. HaRav
Kanievsky was visibly moved by what he heard. "Such children
are prone to outbursts and terrible temper tantrums. Now that
my son participates in these clubs, he has become a different
person. He is much calmer, and is learning to acclimate to
his surroundings and his family. We are very grateful to
Shaarei Marpeh for this unique program."
The counselors and coordinators of these programs have a
special approach to these special children, and are well-
trained to understand their needs. Most of all, they realize
that these children have special neshomos, and deserve
the very best treatment and care.
Shaarei Marpeh invests vast sums in these clubs, which are
guided by top rate psychologists and Special Education
experts. Much individual attention is offered to each child,
and the finest and most up-to-date equipment is used.
Due to the success of this project and its good name, many
parents seek to enroll their children in its programs.
Despite the tremendous expenses in running these programs,
Shaarei Marpeh does not turn anyone away. Recently, a large
building in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood in Yerushalayim was
rented for these clubs, and every available corner of it is
used for the needs of these children. The Gavad visited the
building himself and affixed mezuzas to its doors,
while specifying the greatness of the mitzvah of taking part
in such a project.
The rent for this building is very high. Recently, Shaarei
Marpeh decided to purchase its own building, so that it can
accept more children and continue to treat and cater to those
already in its program. A special committee to raise funds
for this project has been established.
The purpose of the gala dinner, which will take place on 1
Kislev in London in the presence of rabbonim, dayanim,
communal leaders and generous Jews from all over Europe, is
to advance this project as well as all of the blessed
projects of Shaarei Marpeh. The presence of the Gavad, HaRav
Yitzchok Tuvia Weiss at the dinner underscores the importance
of this endeavor.
