Save a Child's Heart: My Art Exhibition at GLUE Amsterdam 2023
Save a Child's Heart is a philanthropic organization based in Israel, committed to offering life-saving cardiac treatments to children from developing countries in their specialized hospital.
My connection to this organization is twofold. Firstly, it addresses the topic I find to be one of the most pressing - global health inequality. Secondly, it stands as a beacon of hope in the Middle East. With an astounding 50% of the children they assist hailing from the Palestinian Authority, Gaza, Iraq, and Morocco, it's a testament to the power of empathy and collaboration, transcending political and regional divides. Being originally from Israel, I personally view this initiative as a shining example of how compassion can pave the way for unity and hope in a region often marked by conflict.
This summer, my son had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at Save a Child's Heart Children's Home. I accompanied him on his first day, and we were both deeply inspired by the environment and the dedicated individuals we met. The home shelters about 40 children who stay there before and after their surgeries, typically for a duration of two months. Surrounded by compassionate caregivers, some children are accompanied by their mothers, while others, often older than 7, travel in groups from their home countries, escorted only by a nurse. The unimaginable circumstances these young souls endure, being away from their families and confronting the daunting challenge of heart surgery, deeply touch me. As a mother who feels anxious just taking her kids to the dentist, I can't even imagine the emotions and fears they and their families go through.
Save a Child's Heart's Israel
Daniel and I on his first day at Save a Child's Heart Children's Home.
It's a sobering realization that while 1% of newborns worldwide have heart defects, this statistic can increase fivefold in impoverished countries due to healthcare disparities. Simple conditions like untreated streptococcus can escalate, leading to severe cardiac complications.
Daniel and his new little friends
The home shelters about 40 children who stay there before and after their surgeries, typically for a duration of two months.
As part of GLUE Amsterdam, I've been invited to showcase my b_side project at the Conservatorium Hotel. In collaboration with Caren Pardovitch chair person of Save a Child's Heart Netherlands and with the support of Beatrijs Aghina and the team at the Conservatorium Hotel, we're hosting a special opening on the 14th.
You're warmly invited to join us from 14-17 September at the Conservatorium Hotel. It's a unique opportunity where art meets heart. Engage in meaningful conversations and together, let's champion this noble cause.
***All profits from b_side plate display will go directly to Save a Child's Heart.
