HaKav HaMeached Summer Camp, September 2025: Israeli children living with cancer and rare syndromes together with wounded IDF soldiers visiting New York (Photo: Courtesy).

As Miss Israel and Miss World Influencer, I have spent years volunteering with the Israeli camp HaKav HaMeached, which gives children with cancer the chance to step outside of hospital walls and simply be kids again.

This year, the mission took on even greater meaning, as we brought the largest group — 32 wounded soldiers and children with cancer — on a Dream Journey from Israel to New York.

Many of the soldiers were injured in the aftermath of October 7. Together, they shared an unforgettable experience and a break from war, all made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the American Jewish community.

For the children, the journey was a rare break from daily treatments and pain. For the soldiers — young men and women, many paralyzed, scarred, or living with the trauma of war — it was a chance to heal, to smile, and to feel hope again.

The camp leaders, Chaya and Israel Sheinfeld, worked tirelessly, ensuring every detail was cared for. The days were packed with touring Manhattan, visiting the Statue of Liberty, playing laser tag, and celebrating with the Jewish and Israeli community. Families across New York opened their homes with extraordinary warmth, hosting activities, music, birthday surprises, and presenting personalized gifts — including iPhones and iPads.

Among the participants was Y., a soldier from an elite unit who had been paralyzed from the neck down after a catastrophic battlefield injury. After 10 months in the hospital, enduring surgeries and rehabilitation, Y. joined the trip determined to regain strength. While in New Jersey, he met with a top medical specialist, but the news was devastating — his paralysis would likely remain permanent.

That same day, Lian — a young girl on the trip — received heartbreaking news: an urgent call from Israel informed her that her close friend from the oncology ward had passed away. Her tears broke all of our hearts.

What followed was truly inspiring: Y. and Lian embraced, two young people carrying unimaginable pain. With all of his grief, Y. comforted her. He spoke about his fallen brothers in arms, about nights when he wanted to give up, and about the decision to keep living for those who no longer could.

“They would want me to smile,” he told her. “And you must smile too. Every single day counts.” At that moment, there was not a dry eye in the room.

Throughout the week, soldiers opened up about their wounds — shrapnel, burns, scars, and even organ transplants. Two of them were living with lungs donated by fallen comrades. The children shared how cancer had stolen their soccer dreams and the simple joys of a carefree youth. And yet, despite it all, they showed us extraordinary courage.

The soldiers insisted: “We are not heroes — we only did our duty. The real heroes are these children.” The children replied: “No, the soldiers are the heroes, for risking their lives to protect us.”

The truth is simple. They are all heroes.

This journey gave us far more than sightseeing, shopping, or gifts. It gave us healing of the soul. It reminded us that joy is medicine, that friendship is therapy, and that hope is fuel for survival.

For us — and for me, as Miss Israel representing Israelis living in the United States — the true gift was never material. It was the bond created between the children, the IDF soldiers, and the Jewish community in New York —  the smiles they shared and the healing they brought to one another, like one big family.

Ayelet Raymond is Miss Israel, Miss World Influencer, and Miss World International — the social media personality @KosherBarbie, and a proud voice for Israel.