By Nativia Bühler

The ICEJ has continued to stand in solidarity with Israel’s most vulnerable citizens in practical ways, including by sponsoring essential repairs to the homes of ten Holocaust survivors and renovating 24 large public bomb shelters in communities under frequent rocket attacks.

Across Israel today, thousands of elderly citizens, including many Holocaust survivors, live below or near the poverty line. Rising living costs, ongoing national insecurity, and the lingering effects of war have only deepened the strain. Many survivors, now in their late 80s and 90s, survive on fixed incomes that simply do not allow for major home repairs. As buildings age and health declines, leaking roofs, mould-filled walls, broken plumbing, unsafe wiring, and inaccessible bathrooms become daily hazards.

For ten Holocaust survivors this year, ICEJ support meant that these dangers were finally alleviated. Apartments were repaired, mouldy areas were treated, electrical systems were made safe, plumbing restored, walls replastered and repainted, and handrails were installed to prevent falls. What had once been cold, damp, or hazardous spaces became clean, secure homes once again.

The impact has been just as significant as the physical transformation.

One woman shared, “We feel such a huge change; the comfort and quality of our daily life have improved significantly.”

Another said, “For the first time, we sleep well, and we love being able to invite friends over!”

For elderly individuals who endured the horrors of the Holocaust in their youth, living in safety and dignity during their final years is incredibly important.

Another shared: “You put your heart and soul into helping us, now our home is warm, bright, and inviting!”

In some cases, the assistance went beyond structural repair. Families were helped to understand and access long-overdue social rights. The daughter of an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor explained:

“For years, we didn’t know that my mother was entitled to receive a caregiver at home, and we helped her every day ourselves. With the help we received, we applied under the Long-Term Care Law. Today, a caregiver comes three times a week and helps with cooking and bathing. It relieved the entire family and allowed us to focus on our households.”

Others described the deeper sense of stability that followed: “This support gives me a sense of security and peace; finally, I don’t feel alone in facing life’s challenges.”

At the same time, the ICEJ recognised another urgent need: the poor condition of many public bomb shelters. Amid lingering regional tensions and rocket attacks, the importance of accessible, functional shelters cannot be overstated. Yet in many older neighbourhoods, especially impoverished areas, shelters suffer from neglect. Lighting systems fail, stairwells lack railings, doors do not seal properly, and damp conditions create mould and sanitation risks.

In response, the ICEJ has recently renovated 15 large public bomb shelters in the center of Israel. The work included restoring lighting, repairing structural damage, reinforcing doors, upgrading bathrooms, and ensuring easier access to the shelters.

We also upgraded nine public bomb shelters along the northern border for longer-term stays, by furnishing mattresses, chairs, tables, children’s activities, large fans, WIFI, and other items. In addition, the Christian Embassy delivered several new portable bomb shelters to communities in northern Israel amid the recent war. 

In seasons of uncertainty and tension, this work has brought tangible reassurance. These improvements transformed deteriorating spaces into reliable places of refuge. Safe homes mean fewer falls, fewer illnesses, and greater independence. Secure shelters mean communities can respond quickly and confidently when the sirens sound.

Through these focused projects, the ICEJ is bringing comfort, dignity, and security to the people of Israel. These are practical expressions of love that speak louder than words. Thank you for supporting our Israel in Crisis fund, which makes these humanitarian projects possible.  Give today at: help.icej.org/crisis

Main photo: Installing a new sink in a public bomb shelter. (Photo: courtesy the project)