How does someone go from full kidney function to complete kidney failure overnight?
That’s the devastating reality Zeev was suddenly thrust into. One day, he felt unwell, and the next, doctors informed him that the arteries to his kidneys were blocked and that his kidneys had completely failed. Within hours, he was rushed into surgery and began dialysis, a grueling, painful, four-hour treatment he must now endure three times a week.
Zeev is no stranger to challenges. After completing his IDF service, he moved to New York and built a successful diamond business from the ground up on 47th Street. During those years of success, Zeev was deeply connected to the Lubavitcher Rebbe and became a generous supporter of Chabad. He gave wholeheartedly to those in need, among them the Habad orphanage and quietly helping Baalei Teshuvah get back on their feet, supporting family, friends, and strangers alike. He was known not just as a man of means, but as a man of deep generosity, with a big heart and open hands. When he had, he gave.
Years later, when Zeev and his wife Malka were blessed with their first two children, they made the bold and selfless decision to leave their business behind and return to the Holy Land. They wanted their children to grow up connected to the land and values they held so dear.
But in 2008, during the global financial crash, Zeev’s business in Israel was hit hard. To support his family, he returned to the U.S., this time to Miami, where he began working in real estate. He became the sole provider for the household, doing everything he could to restore stability and dignity to their financial situation.
Then came October 7th. Israel was thrust into a brutal war, and Zeev’s children, highly trained combat soldiers, immediately returned to the front lines. Both his son and daughter-in-law serve in combat units. With both parents deployed, Zeev and Malka stepped in to raise their grandchildren, offering them a sense of safety, warmth, and love in a time of uncertainty.
But seven months into the war, Zeev’s health collapsed. Dialysis treatments now consume his energy and strength, and he is far from his family, doing everything he can to get a kidney transplant. This has placed an enormous burden on their children and forced their son to take a break from his reserve duty in order to care for the family
Through it all, Zeev remains hopeful. His faith and inner light continue to shine. He dreams of returning to his family and to the acts of kindness that have always defined his life.
Zeev has built a life of giving, through his work, through his heart, and through his actions. He has always shown up for others. Now, he needs someone to show up for him.
We are filled with hope that Zeev will receive the kidney transplant that will give him his life back, so he can continue to be a devoted husband, a loving grandfather, and a source of strength to so many.
To learn more about how you can help save Zeev’s life by becoming a kidney donor (completely confidential, with no obligation), please contact Rabbi Boruch Wolf of Kidney Assist at 516-360-0299 or [email protected].
Refuah Sheleima!