Raphael Sharaf dreamed of visiting the market where he worked for many years; MDA’s Wish Ambulance helped him fulfil his dream.
For 25 years, Raphael Sharaf and his father sold vegetables together from their stand in Jerusalem’s market, Shuk Machane Yehuda. It was his second home, he was there every day of the week, at all hours of the day.
Years ago, Sharaf’s family was forced to sell their stand after his father suffered a stroke, however Sharaf still feels connected to the stand and to the bustling market. Now Sharaf himself, 54, is seriously ill, incapacitated, and unable to get around himself.
Magen David Adom’s Wish Ambulance, an initiative that fulfils the wishes of those who are facing serious or terminal illnesses by bringing them places they dream of visiting in the safety of an ambulance, was enlisted in a special mission to bring Sharaf back to the iconic Shuk Machane Yehuda where he spent his formative years. Sharaf and his sister Chana Cohen were picked up in a special Mobile Intensive Care Unit by MDA paramedics Hadar and Duani Almakais and as well as volunteer EMT Yanky Rosenfeld and brought to the market.
Throughout his visit, Sharaf happily greeted and reminisced with merchants with whom he used to work. A highlight was being able to sip a fresh tamarind drink. Before visiting the market, Sharaf asked to stop at the Western Wall to don tefillin and pray.
“I don’t have enough words to thank you, the team who made my brother’s wish come true,” said Sharaf’s sister, Chana Cohen. “You are our angels. This visit filled Raphael with happiness and memories of good times.”
“We were excited to fulfill Raphael’s wish,” Rosenfeld remarked. “We wish Raphael a full recovery.”
