Danielle Sonnenfeld, of blessed memory, was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the 2nd of Adar I, 5755 (February 2, 1995).
From an early age, her uniqueness was evident.
Her radiant smile, love for others, and extraordinary joy for life captivated everyone who encountered her.
Her remarkable simplicity, especially alongside her rare talents, enchanted all who knew her.
At the age of eight and a half, Danielle immigrated to Israel with her family and settled in Ra’anana. She attended the Bilu and Noam elementary schools, the Horev junior high school in Ra’anana, and the Lustig High School in Ramat Gan.
In every institution, she excelled in her studies and was beloved by teachers and peers alike.
Danielle was a lifelong learner and always radiated warmth to those around her. She chose a path of boundless giving and unconditional love for every person.
Upon completing her studies with high honors, Danielle chose to serve in the national service program at the pediatric oncology department at Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petach Tikva. She sought a place where she could contribute and help others.
In her special way, Danielle brought smiles to the faces of sick children and their families.
Like a ray of light, her presence illuminated the department. She was always there for the children, offering a listening ear and a supportive hand. She faced challenges without hesitation and found joy in bringing optimism to the children for the days ahead.
After completing her first year of service in the oncology department, Danielle decided to dedicate her second year of service to at-risk youth in the city of Akko. Despite the distance, she continued volunteering in the oncology department at Schneider.
The residents of Akko and those in the oncology department at Schneider Children’s Medical Center were blessed with Danielle’s unique and exceptional giving. In both places, Danielle saw a special mission: to be there for those whose daily battles defined their routine – for at-risk youth fighting for a warm bed and a little love, and for patients fighting the battle for their very lives. In both of these struggles, Danielle was there to help them win.
It was only natural that, following her meaningful time at Schneider, Danielle decided to study medicine (her psychometric test score of 768 arrived during the shivah). Her aspiration was to provide “medicine with compassion.”
Tragically, after another day of total dedication to the children at Schneider, Danielle’s light was extinguished in a car accident on the bitter night of Ta’anit Esther, the 13th of Adar, 5775. The great light that shone from her face was gone – a light of humility, kindness, extraordinary talent, and joy for life.
The Danielle Sonnenfeld Foundation was established by her father, Mr. Moti Sonnenfeld, to honor her blessed memory and as a natural continuation of her life’s mission.
May her memory be a blessing.
