Netanel Cohen, was born in 2003 with congenital heart disease. During the course of his short life, Neli underwent countless procedures and operations in the Shneider Children’s Medical Center in Israel, which led to numerous lengthy hospital stays. Due to the complication of his medical condition, Neli had regular follow-up visits and treatment at the hospital. Despite the amazing care that Neli was given by the devoted and professional staff, he heartbreakingly passed away in June 2021 at the young age of 18.

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Despite his challenging medical condition, Neli lived a full and active life. He grew up in Kedumim in the Shomron, attended “Yeshivat Hashomron” and successfully completed several Bagrut examinations. He participated in various after-school activities and even volunteered in the local elementary school. Neli was an active member in “Shevet Dorot” of B’nei Akiva and despite the fact that the group branch was located an hour’s walk from his home, Neli walked there every Shabbat.

Neli never focused on his difficulties or his challenges. He was a happy teenager who enjoyed life and shared his positive attitude with everyone he met.

During 2020, as a result of the outbreak of Covid 19, Neli didn’t leave his home, since he was considered high risk. Once the vaccinations came to Israel, Neli was among the first to be vaccinated; however, he still had to distance himself from others because the risk of Covid was too high.

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Being limited to his home for such a long period of time did not damper Neli’s spirit. He used the time to raise money for Shneider Medical Center. For many years on his birthday Neli baked cookies, sold them to his friends and neighbors and donated the proceeds to the hospital in appreciation of the devoted staff. During the pandemic he expanded this project, naming it “Cookies from Neli’s Heart”, and succeeded in raising 20,000 shekels from the sales of his cookies.

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In memory of Neli, “Cookies from Neli’s Heart” is continuing. People all over the country are baking cookies, selling them and donating the proceeds to Schneider Medical Center. Here too, all donations from the run will go to the Schneider children's hospital.