I never thought I would get the chance to save a life during my gap year with Aardvark Israel.
Moshe Goldsmith, a participant in Aardvark Israel in 2019-20, came to Israel to experience the country like a local – to travel, meet friends from around the world, and immerse himself in life in Israel. He never imagined that through his participation in the program, he would have the opportunity to save a life.
“It was an amazing year. I really loved my internship, and over time it actually became my profession. During the internship, I was part of an organization that prepares and distributes meals to people in need. I really enjoyed making food and knowing I was doing something meaningful and impactful.”
Today, Moshe has turned that passion into a career and is working as a chef at a local Jerusalem restaurant.
One evening, the program team organized a fundraising event in collaboration with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry – a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through bone marrow and stem cell transplants.
“The test was just a simple saliva swab. I did it happily, without even thinking that one day it could save someone’s life. Honestly, I pretty much forgot about it a few minutes later.”
Six years later, a match was found:
“It took them some time to reach me because I had a different phone number, but they managed to get my mom’s number. When I received the message through her and realized I could save someone’s life – it was a moment I’ll never forget”
“It wasn’t even a question – I immediately said yes. I knew it was the right thing to do, and I would want someone to do the same for me if I were ever in that situation.”
On January 19, 2026, Moshe donated his bone marrow at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem.
“I feel that the woman I’m donating to received a gift – life. And I received a gift – the opportunity to save a life. I don’t think people get many chances in life to do something amazing like saving someone else’s life.”
