By: Yudit Setz

Here at the ICEJ’s special Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa, the fall High Holy Days arrived recently just as news emerged that the war in Gaza may be winding down. The weather was quickly changing to autumn. Many Israelis were preparing spiritually and practically for the solemn Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur. Many charitable organisations were reaching out with food parcels for those who are struggling. 

Our ICEJ team at the Haifa Home also reached out to Holocaust survivors in the region who still live in their own homes, blessing them with food parcels for the fall holidays. Many of these elderly people are lonely, coping with health challenges, and often do not have children nearby to support them. It is always a great privilege and joy to visit them. 

Gershom (95) and Shoshana (90), both born in Romania, welcomed us with joy. Gershom, who survived three years in Transnistria, kept repeating how happy he is to be in the Jewish homeland. 

“Israel is the most beautiful country in the world”, he insisted. 

Both of their faces lit up as they invited us in for coffee. At the end of a pleasant conversation, Gershom said again and again, “This surprise visit was such a blessing to us. That doesn’t happen a lot.” 

Though walking is difficult for him, he insisted on escorting us all the way back to the car. He carefully made his way down several steps and only turned back when we disappeared around the corner driving off. Our food parcel was greatly appreciated, but what touched them most was the care and love behind it. 

Yaacov, born in Lithuania, was equally moved by our unexpected visit. After we sat down, he opened his heart about how much his health has declined in recent months and how lonely he often feels. Now frail, walking only with the help of a cane, he has lost weight and rarely leaves home except for medical appointments. His children visit weekly, but he spends many days alone. For him, our visit was deeply meaningful, as we offered a listening ear, words of empathy and encouragement, and simple companionship that brought tears to his eyes. 

Yaacov thanked us for the parcel he received, while adding that he did not have enough words to express his appreciation for our spending time with him. 

A New Vehicle to broaden horizons 
Our vision is gradually being realised to take our residents on short outings more frequently, helping them to step out of their homes, enjoy fresh air, and share meaningful experiences together. To make these trips more regular, we needed our own vehicle. With grateful hearts to our donors, we now have acquired a nine-seater van dedicated for this specific purpose – to expand the horizons of our Haifa Home residents. We look forward to creating new memories and moments of joy together as we plan various outings in the near future. 

Art that gives hope and light 
Our first outing with the new van took us to Kfar Saba, where Nancy, our art therapist, had organised a memorable visit to a beautiful art studio. Our residents enjoyed a special art session there connected to the Rosh HaShanah holiday. Surrounded by an uplifting atmosphere—with coffee, cakes, and a festive lunch—the residents had the chance to reflect on their lives while creating artwork full of light and colour, representing hope for the Jewish New Year.  

When they returned, they were still glowing from the experience.  

“It’s the first time I’ve met people who do these kinds of things”, shared Dov. “I very much appreciate the beauty that was there. I just do not have words to express it.”  

“I feel so nice with all the people who help us”, added Natalia. “They have such big hearts, and I truly hope that God has heard my prayers.”  

“I am so happy that I came and that there was still a place in the car”, said Renate, who had not been feeling well that day. “It was great to meet people with such hearts, and the art we did fits so well with the times we are living in.”  

Israel, a land of miracles 
Many of our Russian-speaking residents made Aliyah late in life and were never able to learn Hebrew or truly see the Land. Our Ukrainian residents especially, who arrived only three years ago after fleeing the Russian invasion, have also had little chance to discover this country and its incredible biblical history.  

To help them connect more deeply with the Land of Israel, we invited Andrey, a tour guide and lecturer, to give a series of talks on different aspects of the Land. The residents showed great interest, eager to learn more about their new homeland. Our hope is to give them at least a glimpse of this often complex, yet truly miraculous country they now call home.  

May they continue to put down roots, however small, in the Land that God promised to their forefathers.  

In Memoriam of Fanny Selekovitz 
On 14 September, our dear resident Fanny Selekovitz passed away at the age of 96. We had the privilege of sharing her life for seven years at the Haifa Home. Originally from Romania, she was thrown out of school as a child for being Jewish and together with her family, suffered much. This left a mark for the rest of her life, as with every Holocaust survivor. 

Fanny was a loving, active and strong woman. She loved art and had boundless creativity. Over the years, she poured her energy into crochet, painting, and many other crafts, always finding new ways to make things more beautiful. Many visitors from abroad returned home with one of her creations, whether it was a pair of socks or another handmade treasure.  

In her later years, Fanny would often say, “It’s so hard to be a Jew.” Yet, almost until her final week, she continued to join our art classes, gymnastics, and nearly every activity we held. She loved our Christian staff deeply, and she will be dearly missed by all of us and by her fellow residents. 

Celebrating Rosh HaShanah 
The Haifa Home dining room looked festive. The tables were arranged and set in a new way with colourful tablecloths, and delicious Rosh Hashanah treats were placed on the tables. Songs for the season were played and slowly our residents gathered, marking this special holiday together with our staff. We talked about the blessings of the past year, and emphasised the good things amid the very difficult situation in the Land. Every resident had the opportunity to give their New Year greeting to the rest of the people present. 

It was a joyful gathering in which all the Haifa Home residents felt honoured and loved, and touched by the beauty and care that went into creating such a meaningful event. At the end everyone received a gift with a personal blessing from our staff and donors. 

Please continue to support our unique ministry of caring for Holocaust survivors in their last remaining years. Donate today at:  help.icej.org/survivors