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DECEMBER 9, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Granting Wishes and Spreading Smiles By Tammy Mark
If you’ve ever thought that you’ve seen Batman driving a Batmobile around town, it’s not your imagination playing tricks on you. That “Batman” behind the wheel is actually Josh Aryeh, a modern-day superhero of sorts. Aryeh is the founder of the nonprofit organization Smiles Through Cars, and the Batmobile is just one of the many creative and unique methods Aryeh and his team employ to bring smiles and encouragement to children facing illnesses and other challenges. Born out of his personal life experiences and his passion for exotic cars, Aryeh’s mission is to bring joy and hope to those in need by granting fantastical wishes and sharing his need for speed. Today, with hundreds of volunteers and an ever-expanding network, Aryeh’s vision has grown into a full-blown phenomenon. A little bit Bruce Wayne, a little bit Batman, and a whole lot of heart, Aryeh likes to try to remain somewhat anonymous and is always sure to credit his whole Smiles Through Cars team. In cliché superhero form, Aryeh at first attempted to stay under the radar, but his conspicuous costumed characters are now gaining more and more positive attention and even shut down Gotham City – aka Times Square – to grant one epic wish. While Aryeh has managed to flip the typical model for himself by making philanthropy his day job, he firmly believes that any small act of kindness can have an immeasurable impact on the world.
