Robel was four year’s old the first time he came to Israel with Save a Child’s Heart in 1998. His heart condition meant that Robel was weak when he arrived, indeed his family were scared that their son wouldn’t live.

The late Dr Ami Cohen, founder of Save a Child’s Heart operated on young Robel. The surgery saved Robel’s life and gave him new energy, he left Israel a spirited young boy. Upon his return home, Robel’s family was moved by Dr Cohen’s interest in his progress, the surgeon contacted the family to see how the young boy was fairing.

We next met Robel in Ethiopia in 2011 during a follow up visit. We met a young man who enjoyed school, had minimal physical limitations and did not take medication.  When Robel discovered he needed further surgery he was concerned that as an adult he would not get the care he needed, however, once a SACH child always a SACH child and sixteen years following his first surgery, Robel is back in Israel and recovering well at the SACH house from his second surgery.

Robel is a kind, well- mannered and helpful young man. He looks after the young children and helped planted flowers in the garden. He hopes to study when he goes back home to Ethiopia and dreams of becoming an architect.