In times of need and troubles, the Syrian Jewish community is always there to rally around their fellow community members to help in any way they can. So when David Chera, a 22-year-old active community member, became very sick recently, our community spanning from Brooklyn, NY to Deal, NJ did just that.

David was bitten by a mosquito. This minor occurance resulted in an infection in his spine which caused his health to take a turn for the worse. This is why David sincerely needs our community’s help in this difficult and trying time. Since he has fallen ill, our community has organized events, Torah learning, and even an online fundraiser all in his honor.

A packed crowd for the Power of One event held in David Chera's honor.

The Power of One was one of the events held for David that took place on Feb. 7 at Congregation Shaare Zion in Brooklyn, NY. The event was held with the Refuah Shelema of David Haim Ben Miriam in mind. To watch a live stream of the event on LearnTorah.com, click here.

Please continue to say Tehillim and do all that you can for the Refuah Shelemah of David Haim Ben Miriam.

Ali Greenstein, a good friend of David’s father, along with Rabbi Yoseph Churbah had the idea to create a night of inspiration in David's honor. Aptly named, the theme of the night was about empowering individuals by discussing how just one person can make such a powerful impact on the lives of others. Whether through Torah learning, acts of hesed, or being caring to and mindful of others, one can truly make a difference here in this world. The event highlighted how every step you take towards Hashem can have a huge impact on the world around you.

Rabbi Duvi Bensoussan speaking at the Power of One event.

They keynote speakers were Rabbi Meyer Yedid, Rabbi Duvi Bensoussan, and Mr. Luis Chera. The night had an amazing turn out with several hundred people showing up as well as hundreds more listening to the live stream. The event was opened to men and women.

Rabbi Yoseph Churbah gave a short introduction to the night and got the crowd prepared for the speeches to come. He also stressed the importance of strengthening our learning in order to give David Haim ben Miriam a full Refuah. Rabbi Meyer Yedid spoke about the greatness of learning Torah and the importance of every single Jew, both men and women, taking the time out to learn.

“The moment we have somebody from our community, our yeshivas, and we hear that he’s fighting for his life, we have an obligation, and being here tonight fulfills that obligation,” said Rabbi Duvi Bensoussan who has a personal history with David Chera.

Rabbi Bensoussan went on to discuss the theme of the night, the power of one, in his own story telling style that drew the crowd in.

The card that was given out to all who attended asking individuals to take on a commitment in David Chera's honor.

Cards were also given out at the event that requested for each individual in the crowd to take one commitment upon themselves in David’s honor. These commitments included committing to Torah learning by joining a class, praying with a minyan on a regular basis, or performing acts of hesed.   

A Go Fund Me page was recently set up in David Chera’s honor with all the money raised going to the benefit of the Sephardic Food Fund. The Sephardic Food Fund is a community organization that helps feed serval families in need in our community in a dignified manner. They do so by giving families cards that look just like credit cards which are stocked with cash monthly and work at many supermarkets. 

The Go Fund Me page for David Chera. All proceeds go to the Sephardic Food Fund. 

“Our dear friend David Chera, David ben Miriam,  is unfortunately in critical condition and fighting for his life,” expressed the creators of the Go Fund Me page. “No, these words are not being dramatic.”

Within the three months that the page was posted, 268 people have donated to the cause. The current total of the fundraiser is $23,392. Many people donated and included a heart-warming comment wishing David Chera and his family well. 

“In the merit of all this charity, may David Haim ben Miriam have a full Refuah. You are in our thoughts and prayers,” said Etti and Mike Menahem who donated to the cause.

To donate and learn more about this important cause, click here.

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.