Watch: Lazer Becomes Bar Mitzvah

By COLlive reporter

Lazer Galperin, the Chabad boy who was severely burned as a child and is still recovering, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah this past summer at a grand celebration dubbed “the Bar Mitzvah of the Century.”

As a child of 5 years old, Galperin was severely burned during a fire that broke out in his family’s home in the Israeli city of Kiryat Malachi in 2010. He suffered 3rd-degree burns over 80 percent of his little body.

Even if the boy would survive, doctors had speculated, he would require more than 17 skin graft surgeries in his first year alone and that he’ll have his forearms and lower legs amputated.

A mere 11 days after the devastating fire that had many praying for the boy, the father Shmuel Galperin took his coma-induced, critically injured and utterly unrecognizable little boy for treatment in the USA.

After 18 months of treatment at Shriner’s Hospital, Lazer Galperin returned home. He has since undergone years of surgeries, therapies and painful treatments.

Recently, Lazer was required to travel to the US once again, to undergo reconstructive surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia, that would enable him to wear prosthetics.

While in the US for treatment, Lazer was deeply saddened that he was to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah, far from his home, family and friends.

As reported on COLlive.com, the Vital One organization got involved and pulled off a grand celebration at the Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ, with a fireworks display, lavish food and a slew of musicians.

Performers included Avraham Fried, Shmueli Ungar, Beri Weber, Yishai Lapidot, the Shira Choir and music by the Sababa Band led by Mendy Hershkowitz. YouTube star Meir Kalmanson got the kids into lively dancing, while singer Mordechai Ben David sent a video greeting as well.

VIDEO: Watch a recap of the “Bar Mitzvah of the Century”