By Yudit Setz

On this day of Yom HaShoah, we remember the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, and the many brave Jews who rose up to resist the evil Nazi regime. We also honour the legacy and courage of those who survived.

Across Israel today, tens of thousands of Holocaust survivors live quietly, many in loneliness and poverty, carrying memories too heavy to bear alone. Most are 85 and older, and are fragile in body but steadfast in spirit.

In Haifa, our special Home for Holocaust Survivors provides our residents with more than shelter, it offers dignity, community and care. Here, they find not only safety, but the love and support they so deeply deserve.

Each resident is a living witness to their own dramatic story of endurance and hope. Through art, learning, shared meals, and companionship, their lives remind us that survival is not just about enduring, it is about living with meaning and connection.

The traditional Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the Haifa Home was held today as a small in-house event, due to the ongoing security situation. Besides our residents, the only attendees were some dignitaries from the Israeli government, the Haifa area and different foreign embassies were present. We gathered to honour the courage of the Holocaust survivors, remember the lives lost, and reaffirm our commitment to never forget and Never Again!

It has been a tough spring for the residents of our Haifa Home, as they have endured constant rocket barrages from Iran and Lebanon. But they have responded valiantly, even in this season when they recall the dark time of the Nazi genocide against the Jews.

Even so, they are very troubled that antisemitism is surging again, especially in the Western world. This is something that Holocaust survivors do not understand. Why do they always hate the Jewish people so much?

But not all is bad. One survivor at the Haifa Home expressed how encouraging it is to see so many Christians standing with the Jewish people today.

“I am so encouraged by Christians who don’t forget us and take time to write to us and even come to visit and work among us”, said Chaya. “That is real love, not hate. I am telling everyone I talk to about what you are doing for us.”

You can help ensure that the remaining years of these dear Holocaust survivors are filled with comfort, respect and peace of mind. Your gift provides meals, care, companionship, and hope to these deserving residents of our Haifa Home, and also reminds them that they are not forgotten.

Support our Haifa Home for Holocaust Survivors today. Your gift will bless them greatly in the name of the Lord! Donate at:  help.icej.org/survivors

Please watch our special Holocaust Remembrance Day video

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