From Ethiopia to Israel: A 6-Year-Old’s Life Renewed with a New Heart

by Eliezer Novick

A Life-Saving Journey to the Promised Land

Amanihon Desta Chakul a 6-year-old boy from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was diagnosed last year with a congenital heart defect causing severe narrowing of the main artery. This condition significantly impacted his daily functioning. While doctors in Addis Ababa recommended a complex open-heart surgery, Amanihon’s family decided to wait for treatment in Israel as they planned to reunite with relatives in Lod.

Amanihon Desta Chakul, a 6-year-old boy from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect that significantly impacted his daily functioning.  Amanihon’s condition, which caused significant narrowing of his main artery, required urgent treatment. While Ethiopian doctors recommended open-heart surgery, his family chose to delay treatment until they could reach Israel.

Upon arrival, they were connected with top medical specialists, including Dr. Yael Garti of Kaplan Medical Center and Professor Einat Birk of Schneider Children’s Medical Center. Just two weeks after his immigration, Amanihon underwent a successful catheterization procedure, and within two days, he was discharged in excellent health.  Amanihon’s journey to Israel not only reunited his family with relatives in Lod but also brought him the medical care that transformed his life.

A Living Prophecy: “I Will Give You a New Heart”

For Amanihon, the biblical promise of Ezekiel 36:26— “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you”—became a miraculous reality. His immigration to Israel not only fulfilled his family’s dream of returning to the Land of Promise but also gave him a new lease on life, both physically and spiritually.

A Testament to Israel’s Compassion Values

Dr. Elhanan Brookheimer, head of catheterization at Schneider, praised Israel’s commitment to saving lives and caring for all who come to its shores. “This is more than a medical success—it’s a heartwarming story that reflects Israel’s core values: gathering exiles, saving lives, and ensuring every child has a future. We are grateful to have been part of Amanihon’s journey and pray for his healthy and happy life in Israel.”

Celebrating Israel’s Mission of Healing

The profound human story behind Amanihon’s medical journey causes us to rejoice in Israel’s mission to heal and protect, and pray for continued blessings over the nation as it fulfills its divine purpose to be a light to the nations.
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 30:17