On Sunday, June 30, close to 600 guests headed down the Paulas Hooks Marina in Jersey City to board a brightly decorated, luxurious cruise ship on the Hudson River. Surrounded by dozens of volunteers singing and dancing and the gorgeous summer weather, these families battling illness were welcomed like royalty with bulging gift bags, smiles and swag.
The atmosphere rippled with excitement and exhilaration as they took in the sweeping magical views from the decks. The New York City skyline expanded around them to the backdrop of a hot buffet and resounding live music played by Mendy Hershkowitz’s Sababa band and Avidan Moskowitz, with sound by DJHaim and Yoel Karpen.
The lineup of entertainers including Lipa Schmelczer, Yehuda Green, Baruch Levine, Eli Marcus, Kalman Schwartz, Yonasan Schwartz, Avrumi Genuth and Moshe Rosenberg. Magic and juggling shows were performed by Yonasan Schwartz, Nussi Friedman and Nate Cohen, who made their way around the decks spreading joy and delight to the children and their families.
Each guest was treated to a special family photo shoot by Selfie Terminal, which graciously provided its services to Misameach free of charge, and enjoyed a host of games, activities, gifts, treats, crafts, clowns, balloon art and more. All this was supervised by Misameach’s dedicated volunteers, who went out of their way to make each child feel special.
The volunteers and children sang and danced the afternoon away, smiles transforming their faces as they were swept up in the warmth, love and joy that personify the Misameach family.
