Learn About Danielle

Danielle Chaya Zfat

April 14, 1993 – February 3, 2014

In November 2011, a perfectly healthy 18-year-old Baruch College freshman received the worst news of her life. Danielle Zfat was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumor – GBM (Glioblastoma Mutliforme) – and was not expected to live more than 16 months.

Danielle fought a courageous battle and passed away two years and 3 months later, on February 3, 2014. The first year she was ill was heartbreaking for her and her family, who watched her health quickly decline – from losing her ability to walk to her ability to speak to her ability to breathe on her own. The second year Danielle was ill, she slipped into a coma, unable to open her eyes, respond or speak, until she passed away.

Danielle fought hard and exhibited a strength of mind and spirit that amazed those close to her during her journey. A loyal lover of her family, wonderful friend and listener, talented artist and dancer and supporter of the homeless community, Danielle touched the lives of so many in her short 20 years. While we miss her every moment of every day, we’re blessed and grateful to have had her with us as long as we did.

Thank you to everyone who has shown their support and love for Danielle and the Zfat family over the years.

66 thoughts on “Learn About Danielle”

      1. Beautiful Daniel, a curly girl full of joy, remembers you as a kind person who wants to help everyone, smiling and sociable.
        Remember every time you came to the kibbutz we would meet with the company and go for a drink in the pub next to you were a fun girl to hang out with all the time with good and positive energy.
        Miss you!!

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    2. Daniel and Courtney her cousin stayed with us at the kibbutz. Curious and cheerful girls. Daniel very much wanted to connect with the kibbutzniks and thus met with Boaz, a beautiful and impressive boy in his appearance he adopted in Brazil and very impressed Daniel. Since the period of her stay was short, their connection was over. Remember Daniel also at your home in Coral Spring, a very cheerful little host, very independent, having fun with many family members around. My encounter with her during our visit that every morning asked me for a vegetable salad and omelette from her so happy … I will remember her as a bright, happy radiant girl. Good, talented and beautiful girl! Aunt Yaeli

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  6. Danielle was truly a caring and beautiful Soul. She always made you feel loved and welcome. Even in her time of struggle she made all those around her happy. May her Neshama have an Aliyah and draw down blessing and strength to all her loved ones.

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  9. Danielle was so beautiful inside and out! Even in the short time I knew her she has changed my life..one of the most kind, cool, talented, fun, mature , not entitled, non judgmental people I have ever met…feeling lucky and blessed to have known her the time I did..forever in my heart! Sending love and prayers..!

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  10. Danielle… A beautiful soul, inside and out… Your smill is so contagious… you are missed.
    Your way of life and kindness will always be remembered.
    Hope you are watching and guarding us from above.
    Love you

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  11. Thinking about Dani, our beautiful angel. We spent time together during vacations. This is one of my favorite memories of her. You’re missing, cousin.

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    2. The very first word that comes to mind, if someone will ask me to describe Danielle is definitely would be – life.
      Beautiful human being, very smart and funny that made everyone around her a better person.

      I miss you Danielle ❤️

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  15. Danielle Z’L, although we did not get to know you as much as we would have liked, but for the limited amount of time we spent together ,you left a tremendous impression on all of us. BH

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  16. Danielle was like a daughter to me and she was certainly part of our family even though she has a wonderful, loving and caring family. That is proof that she had so much love inside her, enough to go around. Danielle was sweet and naive, which made her beauty shine brighter. She was a giver, she liked to make others feel good. She would tickle our backs, which she knew we all loved. Danielle’s character was strong, she was confident in what her parents taught her and felt comfortable expressing herself. When she was 6 I thought she might be a little spoiled, but as she grew she had not one ounce of selfishness or the sign of being spoiled. She was just the opposite. She was as perfect a young lady as could be, always thinking of others first, never herself. I truly miss her every day. Natalie brings us so much joy and she will always remind us of her sister.

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    1. dear Lisa .. you brought me tears of joy and sadness at the same time as you truly knew her .i know it is coming from your heart beautiful words may god bless..

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  17. We love you with all our hearts Danielle and miss you very so much. Love the special relationship you had with my son Elan never forget how you both loved each other and got along so well. We pray that Hashem is taking good care of you in the next world and you are at peace. God Bless your soul and God Bless family Zfat. We love you guys you are family your loss is our loss and we will always be there for you.

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  18. For me, Danielle was the sister I always wanted to have! She was many things: beautiful, funny, smart, goofy, humble… but first and foremost she was kind. She was the type of person you just wanted to be around. It didn’t matter what you were doing, she was a comforting presence. I’m almost positive DZ didn’t have a bad bone in her body (I can say that, since I’m a surgeon now Danielle!). And I feel that we had a special bond. She looked up to me like an older brother. When I think back on memories with Danielle they bring me joy more than sadness, as I feel blessed to have had such a sweet and genuine friend in my life. I hope to honor her memory by being kind to people and improving the lives of friends, family, and strangers. She will forever be missed. To Reuven, Aviva, and Natalie, thank you for treating me like family before and after Danielle left us- I love you all!

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  19. Danielle was someone I always looked up to, learned from, and admired. Even as a kid, I could see she had nothing but kindness and love for everyone around her. Her personality and smile were contagious and always brightened my day. I think about her all of the time, and hope to continue her legacy of being a kind and loving soul. Uncle Reuven, Aviva, and Natalie- you all bring so much joy into my life, and I am blessed to have known Danielle and blessed to be able to share her memory with you. Love you all.

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  21. I recall the first time I met Danielle – she was in her crib and wasn’t even old enough to rollover – but felt there was a connection that would last forever…I was right. As I saw her grow into a beautiful young lady she was always so kind, happy and made me feel I was special when I visited. Always I will remember “Michael!” – to this day I recall her sweet greetings. God blessed us all to know and enjoy her beauty, grace and love – she will always be with me and our family. Love you, Danielle

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  22. dear mike .. i do remember that day like it was yesterday.our friendship grew so much over the years. i know it will continue to grow thank you for all your kind words

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  23. One of my favorite moments with Danielle and our families was in NY, playing guitar and singing songs. Danielle and my brother Elan we’re making up lyrics to the chords I was playing and they were great, full of jokes and stories that made us all laugh and smile. She was good at making everyone laugh and smile. I will always remember that time like it was yesterday and it makes me smile.

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  25. Dear Danielle, you were so beautiful, smart, special and kind. We had the privilege to be part of your short and meaningful life.
    We love you so much. You will be in our hearts forever!
    Reuven and Aviva – we love you and hug you ❤️

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  27. Danielle was a very, very special person. A huge soul, made of kindness and love. And so beautiful, beautiful inside and out. We remember you with great love, Danielle, and although we are not people of faith, we are sure that your great light continues to shine somewhere, somewhere else, there is no other option, simply so.

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  29. Daniele – although I didn’t know you as much as I wanted, I do remember a beautiful, sensitive, funny and vivid young women. Can’t believe it’s been 6 years since you left us. You’re always in my thoughts and in my heart, and I’m sure you are still spreading your amazing and precious gifts, that you gave generously to everyone you met, at the place you are now.
    Love you and all your family

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  30. Daniel was a very special girl.
    When I moved to the United States, she was so friendly and it was important for her to explain everything and help me.
    When I started my first year of college at FIU I struggled with English and I was expected to turn in an essay to my first college English class . Danielle was a couple of years younger than me but was still so patient and eager to help. She sat with me in my room for 3 hours and helped me write an essay about “why teachers should be paid more”.

    I learned so much from her, while she was so young- and able to write a college essay that I received a high score on.

    I loved Danielle and every second I spent with her. The girl had nothing but positivity and happiness to spread. I remember her funny stories about her over protective helicopter father- which in the past we laughter about so much.

    Always in my thoughts and heart.

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  31. Danielle was my first when I moved to the US from Israel, we were both 12 years old. Though I was “just” a child, I can and will never forget the way she eased that entire (at times very difficult) experience for me. Including me, translating for me, inviting me, showing me, explaining me, hearing me out… it all made such a difference.
    I never got to thank you for the pure good and kindness you blessed me with.. and explain you, as an adult, how much your friendship has shaped who I am and how much it has helped me socially at a tough transitioning point in my life. So I hope that this letter reaches you soon because you deserve to know how much of an impact you made.

    I vividly remember how much you respected and loved your parents & sister. I’m sure they miss you more than words can imagine, and I pray you guide them and shine light over them through it all ❤️

    I love you, Danielle.
    I will never forget you.
    One of a kind & forever in my heart.
    Ore Marcovich

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    1. dear ore.yes i remember those days of you and Danielle together . thanks for being her friend and thanks for kind respond

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  32. Danielle,
    The first time I met you, you were just a tiny baby. But your kind spirit and sweetness were already shining through. I can still hear your voice calling me: “Gili Gil Naknik” and the way we laughed together. I treasure these memories as a special gift from you. I know that your kindness, your gentleness, your beautiful laughter, and all the precious things you gave all of us – friends and family – are here to stay and guide our hearts.
    I always remember you with love,
    Gilad

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  35. Dear Rueven and family, by now – it’s more than 20 years that my mememory takes me back – basically my only memories of Danielle is when she was in Chabad Hebrew School as a 6- 7 year old – she was so gentle and so vibrant, and most important so happy. Reuven, I remember you waiting to take her home and you were so wililng to wait for whenever she was ready to go home or she could continue to hang out with her friends… Both of you made quite an impression on me. Beautiful video and wonderful website!!! Love you all, Keep well, stay safe!

    Meir Geisinsky

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  36. אני רואה את דניאל בכל יום, למעשה בכל ערב.. קופסת התרופות שלי להקטנת הכולסטרול נמצאת ממש מתחת לתמונה של ילדה יפה מביטה בי בעיני השקד שלה
    ובסמוך לה תמונתה של סבתא פולה מנוחתה עדן…
    הכרתי את דניאל לאורך כמעט כל חייה, פה בישראל וגם בארצות הברית ולא קשה היה לראות שמדובר בילדה ונערה מאד מיוחדת סקרנית חכמה ומלאת חיים והומור..
    איך אפשר לספר בכמה משפטים על דניאל שלמרות חייה הקצרים היא מילאה את סביבתה ומשפחתה בכל כך הרבה אושר.
    בשבילי תישארי דניאל היפה של המשפחה, לא נשכח אותך כל עוד נשמתנו באפנו.
    מאברמלה אח של אבא שלך.

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  37. דניאל. בסוף הלכת. אחרי מאבק ארוך וקשה, בסוף הלכת.
    עזבת את העולם והשארת את כולנו מאחור.
    הילדה היפייפיה עם השיער הגולש, העיניים המבריקות, החיוך המתוק והלב הענק- כך היית. יפייפיה מבפנים ומבחוץ.
    אומנם את הלכת, אבל בליבנו את לגמרי נמצאת. עם החיוך הרחב, העיניים המחייכות והקול הרך.
    מתגעגעים, אוהבים ונזכור אותך לתמיד.
    מיה שרון

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  38. I remember Daniel when she was a teenage girl, at the time I was living with the wonderful family. Daniel and I had an amazing connection, a lot thanks to her love and hugging smile. We would do homework together, play, paint and practice swimming in the pool. I felt like a brother. Hope you are in a good place and happy. Miss you a lot.

    Amit sharon

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    1. amitus .yes she was talking about you as her handsome cousin years after you left back to ISRAEL . we do remember well those days .i know she is in a good place .the place she deserved toda

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