B”H
May 10, 2026
The story of Ziv Ravid is a testament to unconditional love, tireless perseverance, and a hope that perseveres even in the face of the most daunting circumstances.
Six years ago, Shani and Yohai Ravid left the maternity ward filled with joy, anticipating a beautiful life with their newborn, Ziv, and her older sister. However, that joy soon turned to profound concern as they realized something was deeply wrong. Ziv suffered from extreme, inexplicable restlessness day and night and struggled to reach developmental milestones.
After an agonizing search for answers, a definitive diagnosis arrived when Ziv was just three months old. An MRI revealed a devastating truth: Ziv had suffered an extensive stroke while still in the womb. A blood clot had blocked the primary arteries in her brain, leading to quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP), severe epilepsy, blindness, and complex sleep and eating disorders.
While their world initially stood still, Shani and Yohai made a courageous decision: they would never give up. Choosing to fight for Ziv’s quality of life, they raised her in their home at Kibbutz Hatzor, surrounded by a supportive and loving community.
Today, at six years old, Ziv is a sweet and captivating child, yet she remains “trapped” in a body that limits her every movement. She cannot walk or speak and requires dedicated, 24-hour care. Despite years of intensive therapies, her progress has been slow. Nevertheless, Ziv remains a “light” for her family—a true warrior whose smile inspires everyone around her.
After exhaustive research, the Ravids discovered a beacon of hope: an innovative medical treatment in Mexico specialized for children with similar neurological injuries. This treatment offers a tangible opportunity for motor and cognitive advancement, improved communication, and a reduction in epileptic seizures. For Shani and Yohai, this represents a chance to provide Ziv with a more comfortable life—and perhaps, one day, to hear her say “Abba” and “Ima.”
This journey is not without its challenges. The treatment requires the entire family to relocate abroad for one to two months, incurring immense costs for the medical procedures, travel, lodging, and specialized equipment.
Determined to bridge the financial gap, we partnered with the JGive organization to launch a crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of 1,482 donors, we successfully raised approximately 390,000 NIS.
In a deeply moving ceremony to present these funds, Shani and Yohai shared their journey of integrating Ziv into their family and community life, expressing their profound hopes for the future.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every donor who made this possible. We wish Ziv and the entire Ravid family great success, praying that this treatment brings Ziv the comfort and progress she so deserves.
