A second chance at life

Posted

Merkaz HaRav survivor recuperating after surgery

By Yaffi Spodek

Issue of Nov. 21, 2008 / 23 Cheshvan 5769

Naftali Sheetrit’s 11-hour triple surgery on Oct. 30 was successful, and the 14-year-old survivor of the Merkaz HaRav massacre is now recovering in Indianapolis.

“The doctor [Richard Rink] repaired everything and his body is working,” said Rabbi Hershel Billet of the Young Israel of Woodmere,who flew out to Indiana on Tuesday to visit him.

Rabbi Billet spoke to The Jewish Star from aboard the airplane before his return trip back to New York, and reported that Naftali — who underwent a complex three-part surgery to reconstruct his urethra, rectum and stomach — was doing well.

“Thank G-d he has made tremendous progress,” Rabbi Billet said. “He has been out of the hospital for a week now, but he has to stay here for a couple of weeks for post-op check-ups.”

“Dr. Rink is overwhelmingly hopeful,” said Dr. Asher Mansdorf, who has also been in contact with the family and coordinated a fundraising effort on their behalf. “He was able to do the procedure as planned without complications, and he anticipates a complete recovery.”

Since he left the hospital, Naftali has been able to resume eating and drinking. He has also been spending an hour a day learning in the local yeshiva in Indianapolis. Tuesday night he had plans to attend an Indiana Pacers basketball game, accompanied by one of a member of the Indianapolis community.

“He is upbeat,” said Rabbi Billet. “The Jewish community in Indianapolis has been very good to him.”

For the duration of their stay in America, Naftali and his father are living in a house that has been loaned to them. They hope to be able to return to Israel in two weeks, pending Naftali’s full recovery, “but only time will tell,” said Rabbi Billet.

To date, $105,000 has been raised for the Sheetrits, to help cover the cost of the complex medical procedures. Rabbi Billet believes that this amount will be sufficient to cover the family’s expenses and he is not looking to raise more funds.

“People have been really incredible,” said Mansdorf, commenting on the successful fundraising effort that lasted less than three weeks. “The Young Israel of Woodmere raised a lot, but money has come in from across the country. North Shore Hebrew Academy sent in, and other schools and organizations from Florida and California also contributed.”