By Yudit Setz

In recent months, the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust survivors in Haifa bid farewell to three of our dear long-term residents who passed away, while welcoming a new resident with a moving story of surviving World War II. 

The three residents passed at the blessed ages of almost 101, 96 and 94. We are grateful to have known and cared for them until their last days. 

There are still some 130,000 Holocaust survivors alive in Israel. While this number is dwindling each year, there are still far too many survivors who sorely need a place like our loving community. 

New resident survived German and Russian invaders 
One of the new residents we have taken in is Alexander, 86, who made Aliyah two years ago from war-torn Ukraine. 

“I am so excited to be able to move into your community,” he exclaimed. “People have been so kind to me; see all the furniture I received.” 

He also proudly showed off his new teeth which he received for free as a Holocaust survivor here in Israel. Alexander is glad he remains healthy, is learning Hebrew, and finally has enough food and medicine, and everything he needs. 

Born in Odessa in 1939, Alexander fled with his mother and siblings to the east as the Nazis invaded Ukraine in August 1941. They ended up walking 120 kilometres to his grandmother’s home in Nikolaev, avoiding German bombings along the way. His grandmother hid the children in a small basement with an earthen floor. There were windows at ground level, allowing them an occasional peek outside and breath of fresh air, but only at night to avoid detection. The place was damp; mice ran around and bit them, and they cried. Alexander developed rheumatism and his ribs stuck out from malnutrition. In the post-war photographs, he looked like skin and bones. After the war, he became an engineer and had two sons. Now, he is under our care. 

Graduation Ceremony 
Sixteen residents have arrived at the Haifa Home from Ukraine in recent years, and we were keen to strengthen their Jewish roots in the Land through Hebrew and Israeli heritage lessons. Learning a new language at an advanced age is very difficult, but Maria from our Christian volunteer team took on the challenge of teaching them Hebrew. Lately, a class of five finished their first level – Kita Alef – so we had to celebrate! 

The students, who had been teachers and engineers themselves, were a little nervous but they all finished well. They received a graduation certificate with a rose, while we gave Maria an Award of Excellence for her amazing work.   

Christine’s Bridal Shower  
Many of our residents enjoy spending time together rather than sitting at home watching TV. Thus, we grab every opportunity for community activities.   

Christine, our resident nurse from Germany, organises Bingo and chess for the residents every week. She also just got married, and we decided beforehand to throw a surprise Bridal Shower for her with the female residents. We managed to catch her completely by surprise during the Bingo games.  

Besides playing Wedding Bingo, we asked the survivors to share their most important marriage advice with Christine. All the ladies had been married for many years and thus had lots of wisdom to share. The party was all the talk for days to come! 

Caring for body and soul 
Recently, we decided to turn one of our new rooms into a wellness center, with a hairdresser station, a place for manicures and pedicures, a massage bed and massage chair, and a nurse station. This will be a great place to care for the body and soul of our elderly residents. 

New Year 2025 
The past year was difficult for our residents and for Israel in general, but we look forward to what 2025 will bring. With the same determination and love, we will keep serving our dear survivors and welcome new ones. We hope to finally receive the building permit to finish the third floor of our new building. With God’s help, we will continue to be your arms around these precious Holocaust survivors as they walk out the last part of their life journey. 

To support the Haifa Home, donate at:  help.icej.org/survivors 

Main photo: Christine is surprised during the weekly Bingo activity.