Chai Lifeline mourns the untimely passing of Solomon Obstfeld, obm, a benefactor and true friend of our children and families.

Mr. Obstfeld was well known for his kindness and concern for families caught in the nightmare of serious pediatric illness. He often lent his New York apartment to families of hospitalized patients, and quietly provided numerous other services to the ill and their families.

He held a special devotion for Chai Lifeline’s children. Mr. Obstfeld was moved beyond words by the plight of children whose lives were upended by cancer or other serious illnesses. He was determined to bring joy to their lives and hope to their families.

His generous support of Chai Lifeline’s activities included his dedication of Camp Simcha Special, the only kosher overnight camp for children with disparate chronic conditions. In recognition of his generosity, the camp is now named in memory of his father, Zvi Dovid Obstfeld. He went on to dedicate the Obstfeld Pavilion in the camp’s main building. The Pavilion encompasses the main entrances and foyers; it has become a central greeting place for hundreds of campers and staff members entering the building for meals and activities during the summer, and thousands of retreat and activity participants who use the year-round Jack and Moishe Horn Campus throughout the year.

Mr. Obstfeld encouraged those around him to support the organization. Last year, his colleagues and employees at LH Financial Services, the company he served as chairman, sponsored Chai Lifeline’s annual Winter Family Retreat. The Retreat brings several hundred family members, volunteers, and staff together for three days of professional and peer support, information, and inspiration. The Retreat has been renamed “The LH Financial Services Annual Winter Family Retreat” in recognition of the company’s commitment to the program.

“Shlomo Obstfeld fervently believed in our mission and devoted untold hours to assuring that Chai Lifeline has the ability to fulfill it,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar. “He was personally involved in enabling our families to cope with the challenges of a child’s illness. He was a great friend to the organization, and his loss is keenly felt.”

The Board of Directors, staff, and families send their sincere condolences to the entire Obstfeld family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion.