With all that running after kids, is it any surprise that the fastest woman in Jerusalem is a Jewish mom of five?
Beatie Deutsch, who moved from the United States to Jerusalem, killed it at the 2018 Jerusalem Marathon this past Friday. She finished at an impressive 3:09:50, officially making her the fastest Israeli woman.
Deutsch, who wore a skirt and head covering, was the fifth-fastest woman in the race and placed 25th overall.
In a Facebook post she wrote after the race, she said how she never thought her time was “possible.” Deutsch, who works full time at a nonprofit, went on to say that her journey has not always been easy and has had many “ups and downs,” adding:
It’s certainly a juggling act with 5 little children (Baruch Hashem) and a full time job. Discovering my anemia was the lowest point and I almost felt like giving up then. But through it all, I challenged myself to never give up, stay focused on my goal, and Davened for Siyata D’shmaya (heavenly assistance).
But get this: Last year, when she was seven months pregnant and suffering from a stress fracture, she finished the full Tel Aviv Marathon in 4:08. I can’t even do that normally.
On Facebook, the Jewish mom also mentioned that she was running the marathon to raise money for two charities: the One Family Fund, which supports victims of terrorism, and Beit Daniella, which is named for Deutsch’s cousin, Daniella Pardes. Pardes died by suicide at 14 after battling anorexia. She wrote:
The atmosphere in Yerushalayim is incredible, so many Jews all coming together to raise money for beautiful causes, the unity, the pride it is truly special.
Our dream is to build a rehab center called Beit Daniella for teens who are struggling with emotional challenges. This rehab program will incorporate therapeutic dogs and provide the teens with individual learning, personal therapy and the chance to become dog trainers. The goal of this short-term program is for them to return to their regular routine and daily life, as well as conventional schooling.
Daniella’s family and friends are hoping to raise $30,000 to start building the center in Jerusalem.
