Kol Yedienu Pesach 2026

Erin Kim – volunteer in the Public Relations Office

My name is Erin Kim and I’m 16 years old. I was born in Michigan and I’ve lived in Cambodia, New Jersey, South Korea, and finally, Israel. My parents are from a city called Dae-gu in Korea. My family moved here because of my father’s job.

perspective and strengthened my ability to adapt and understand others — skills I know will be valuable as I plan for the future. I want to thank everyone who supports Laniado and helps care for patients in Netanya. I also want to express my gratitude to Malky, Sue , and Eli from the Suppor ters’ Adminis tration , who have been so encouraging and friendly, and who gave me this wonderful opportunity to volunteer. I have found my experience here to be humbling, immersive and fulfilling! Israel has been an exotic, one-of-a-kind place for me, giving me the chance to adapt, explore, and discover new things about myself and the world. I had always read about Israel in books or seen it in movies, but living here has been really eye-opening and life changing, even dream-like. I especially loved waking up to the vast, crystal-clear ocean view outside my window every morning - a striking contrast to the apartment buildings in Korea or low-set houses in U.S. I ’ve noticed that Israelis s hare qualities with Koreans: they value community, are witty and tactful, and are willing to help foreigners. Though I only began volunteering at Laniado a little later into my stay, it has made my time in Israel feel even more enriching and gratifying. I feel that the world is made up of individuals, and in the end, helping just one person can mean the world to them. Taking initiative to support others, especially when they least expect it, not only makes a positive impact on their lives but allows me, as a teenager, to grow into the person I hope to become. Small actions add up over time, and stepping stones like these can lead to even greater contributions and achievements in the future. I have come to realize that each supporter may donate to Laniado for various personal reasons, but together, their contributions make a huge difference. Without their generosity, the hospital c ouldn’t operate as effectively or provide the care it does for so many patients today.

My mother actually went to Laniado Hospital to get a blood test. It was the first time we visited such a large hospital in Israel. Later, we found out that the hospital was founded by a Holocaust survivor . This was very memorable for me. I decided to volunteer because as a high school student, I’ve always devoted my time to academics. However, I wanted to challenge myself by stepping out of m y comfort zone. Although I’ve lived and traveled internationally, I often find myself, ironically, in a bubble of expatriates. Volunteering gave me the opportunity to connect with the local community and contribute meaningfully to the societ y I’m living in , so I accepted gladly. I was impressed with how many donations have been and are being made to Laniado Hospital. I think helping manage donations of a hospital is very meaningful, as it partially relies on the support of people living in Israel and abroad. Without such organization, the hospita l wouldn’t be able to run as efficiently. Living in Israel has exposed me to a culture that is very different from the places I’ve been to before. A t Laniado , I’v e seen how healthcare is adapted to meet cultural and religious needs. This experience has helped me feel truly immersed in a unique cultural environment. I was surprised at how many people from the U.S. and England donate to Laniado. I discovered that I can adapt to new environments, that I’m wi lling to learn new things and engage with different people. Volunteering has helped me develop my organizational and teamwork skills. It broadened my

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