OUR HEART FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

BY LAURINA DRIESSE

For more than a decade now, the ICEJ has had a special burden to care for the growing number of Holocaust survivors who are unable to support themselves. Most of these elderly survivors are now in their 80s and 90s and many are feeble or cannot make ends meet. We have responded to this urgent need through several means, most notably by establishing the only elderly home in Israel solely dedicated to caring for indigent Holocaust survivors.

Located in Haifa, the ICEJ’s unique Home for Holocaust survivors saw the addition of a new residential building last year, and it was completed just in time to receive an influx of 17 Ukrainian Jewish survivors rescued from the horrors of yet another war – the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Each new resident brought their own tragic story of bravery and survival as they arrived with a suitcase loaded only with essentials, leaving behind a lifetime of memories. In addition, another survivor from Israel also recently moved into the Home.

Sadly, six of our residents passed away during 2022, while another two relocated to more suitable nursing homes to provide more intensive care for their medical conditions.

This means that there are 54 Holocaust survivors in total currently living at the Home, while several dozen more survivors living in nearby neighbourhoods of Haifa also regularly take part in the Home’s weekly activities.

The ICEJ team also welcomed new Christian volunteers who serve the survivors so faithfully, doing physical activities with them and providing daily care for their needs. One of the new volunteers speaks Russian and Romanian, which makes communicating with the survivors easier.

Through your generous giving, our sponsorship of the Home also includes fourteen 24/7 caregivers coming from five nations (Philippines, Moldova, Ukraine, India and Sri Lanka).

The ICEJ’s “Adopt a Survivor” initiative also is still running strong, with our adoption partners coming from 15 countries last year. We received approximately 250 beautiful letters and packages for the survivors during 2022. Perhaps you might want to join the “Adopt a Survivor” project!

The Haifa Home seeks to enable all its residents to live out their final years surrounded by love and professional support. Our ongoing support is vital, and the “Adopt a Survivor’ program is an opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways. If you have a desire to help these precious people who went through the horrors of the Holocaust, you can opt for a monthly commitment to ensure ongoing quality care and daily therapeutic activities for the residents. To find out more about this opportunity, email us at: icejaid@icej.org

The ICEJ also helped launch a national call center in Israel last year which operates around the clock on weekdays. The call center is manned by staff and community volunteers across Israeli society as well as youth performing their national service. These teams are actively reaching out to hundreds of Holocaust survivors every day to inquire about their condition and needs, and then work to immediately assist them. For instance, they help provide medical and rehabilitation equipment, oxygen generators, wheelchairs and walkers, surveillance cameras for continuous assistance, as well as prescribed medications, hot meals, and groceries, all free of charge to the Holocaust survivors and other elderly in Israel. The volunteers also pay home visits, and deliver blankets, appliances, and other household items, as needed.

Please continue to help the ICEJ extend our hand of compassion to deserving Holocaust survivors in Israel by supporting the Haifa Home for Holocaust survivors and our related initiatives. Thank you for caring, and for giving your best gift today!

DONATE AT: give.icej.org/survivors