By Ryan Tsuen

Two weeks into this major conflict with Iran, the impact has been felt in every corner of Israel. For the country’s vulnerable elderly population, the constant news cycle on the war brings a heightened sense of fear and anxiety.

While the fighting rages, ICEJ Homecare head nurse, Corrie van Maanen, is not deterred by fear. Her mission is clear: to deliver a presence of peace to those the world might easily forget. Corrie makes daily visits to elderly residents in Jerusalem and around Israel to check on their varied needs. Many have no immediate family in the country and live in pronounced isolation. For them, there is no one else to step in and offer care at a time like this.

On a recent morning, we accompanied Corrie as she brought companionship and care to three remarkable women in the Pisgat Ze’ev neighbourhood.

The first visit was to Fanya*, a Jewish immigrant originally from Minsk, Belarus. As the door opened, the room was filled with the sound of a television blaring and a radio loudly reporting the latest news in Russian. Fanya busied herself with preparing coffee and snacks, but her anxiety was palpable as she described the attacks in the North from Lebanon and shared deep concerns for her nephew, who had been called to IDF reserve duty.

In the middle of the conversation, an alert sounded on our mobile phones. We quickly realised Fanya lacked the Homefront Command App and thus was not receiving advanced warning of incoming missiles, so she immediately had us install it on her device. Moments later, air-raid sirens echoed throughout this neighbourhood in northeast Jerusalem. What could have been a moment of terror for a woman alone became a shared moment of safety as everyone walked swiftly to the mamad (in-house bomb shelter).

Fanya is one of many elderly immigrants who look forward to the light Corrie brings on her visits by sharing Psalms, offering prayers for peace, and encouraging their faith in the God of Israel.

In the next home visit, Corrie led the way through a courtyard and pointed out a striking mural, which was one of the many paintings by Tatiana. Upon reaching the second level, it felt as if one had entered an art gallery. Tatiana’s small apartment was an explosion of colours and ceramic figurines.

Tatiana is an artist from another part of Belarus, and we found her in the middle of baking. Despite the war, she was preparing for a small workshop she hosted from time to time. For Tatiana, creativity served as a shield against the stress.

Removing some equipment, she turned over a large painting representing the current war. She explained that it symbolised a victorious lion and the army guarding Jerusalem against missiles. It was a timely work for a nation in the battle for peace.

Tatiana showed more of her recent artwork, including delightful children’s books with “find the egg” puzzles. Her passion was evident, as her art served as an outward expression of a life full of struggle, but also of great hope and joy. Corrie stood with Tatiana during a major health battle and testified to seeing a transformation from someone who was once downcast and reserved to this vibrant, creative person who, even now, sought to bring joy to others through her artistic gift.

The final visit was with 99-year-old Luba. She was recently confined to bed rest and was suffering from severe pain caused by an infection, which gave her loss of appetite, which left Luba in a state of loneliness. While government-appointed caretakers are limited in the care they can provide, she is often left alone.

Because Luba is hard of hearing, Corrie spoke with extra clarity to bridge the gap. During the visit, they shared a candid conversation about the difficulties of learning Hebrew, a moment that brought a shared chuckle of agreement. In that brief exchange, the heavy silence of Luba’s room was broken by genuine joy and laughter.

In each of the morning’s visits, it was clear that Corrie brought great hope to these women through simple companionship. As their varied needs were met, from digital safety to emotional comfort, the love which Corrie brought through her gentle touch left the deepest impact. These were not just one-time visits, but the latest in regular, faithful calls on their well-being that always end in a warm embrace.

ICEJ Homecare brings a level of care that is especially needed during these difficult days of war. As the conflict continues, the presence of Homecare is a literal lifeline.

Will you stand with the ICEJ and our Homecare team? Your donation today will ensure that Fanya*, Tatiana, Luba, and many more like them never have to face this dark time alone. Support ICEJ Homecare at:  help.icej.org/homecare

*Name changed on request

Main photo: ICEJ Staff and Tatiana sit in front of her painting symbolising a victorious lion and the army guarding Jerusalem against missiles.