Israel Matzav

`Every moment, I'm just praying . . . '

Earlier this week, I told you about 16-year old Daniel Wultz of Weston, Florida, who lost his leg in the Tel Aviv suicide bombing last week. This morning's Miami Herald has a lot more about Daniel and about what he's going through here in Israel.

Hat Tip: Life of Rubin

On Saturday, Daniel remained at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, visited by dozens of friends and relatives. His grandmother, who lives in Miami-Dade County, and Rabbi Yisroel Spalter of Chabad Lubavitch of Weston, flew to Israel to visit him last week.

As many as 10 relatives at a time are clustered in the hospital waiting room during visiting hours. His father's family lives in Israel.

''It's been tough,'' said Amy Thorpe of Miami, Daniel's aunt. ``We just want everyone to pray for them so that we can see him as he was, shooting basketball hoops with a big smile on his face.''

Family members said doctors performed the amputation because blood was not flowing to the leg. They said doctors are working to save the other leg. The family hopes to have Daniel home in six months.

Alan said he would wear a blue-and-white bracelet he made as a symbol of support until Daniel returns. Other friends have made cards and bracelets.

Alan's mother, Mary Faidengold, said she and her son will visit Daniel in Israel when school is out.

''We are all friends,'' she said of the two families. Daniel ``is a very good-hearted boy, always trying to do the right thing.''

Parents of other Posnack students will meet today to discuss their field trip to Israel. A class of eighth-graders is scheduled to leave Wednesday.

Linda Maurice of Hollywood, whose 13-year-old daughter Meira attends Posnack, said she feels safe sending her daughter there.

Meira left last week to visit friends and family before meeting her classmates.

''Unfortunately, there is terrorism there, but there is also terrorism in America,'' said Maurice, who lived in Israel for 12 years.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:05 PM