Three Homecare visits reveal the impact of caring for Russian Jewish immigrants in Israel

By Corrie van Maanen and Dianne Imison

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, ICEJ Homecare visits take on a special warmth. Along with practical assistance, Nurse Corrie van Maanen brings holiday greetings and small gifts, including the traditional honey associated with hopes for a sweet new year. Around the table, these visits often open the door to memories of family, immigration and Jewish life in countries where celebrating the holidays was once difficult or even forbidden.

Rosh HaShanah, or, the Biblical name Feast of Trumpets, is linked to the time of Creation. Therefore, it is understood within the Jewish world that Rosh Hashanah – literally ‘Head of the Year’ – is ‘the birthday of mankind’ and is celebrated as a new year, complete with giving gifts to each other.

This year, three families received an additional gift: visitors from Australia who accompanied Corrie on her rounds. Long-time ICEJ supporter Dianne Imison was among them. Seeing Homecare from the other side of the front door gave her a fresh appreciation for a ministry she had supported for years. Here she shares what she encountered.

Encounters from behind the doors of Homecare

My friend and I were nearing the end of a visit to Israel, during which we had expressed our support for the Jewish people in several practical ways. Then we had the opportunity to see another side of ICEJ’s work by accompanying Nurse Corrie van Maanen on three Homecare visits. For me this was a special opportunity. I had met with Corrie years ago, so it was a happy reconnection.

We drove out of Jerusalem for our first visit to the land of Amos, the shepherd who called the people to repentance in the Bible. As this was the period of the days of repentance leading to the Holidays, the quiet, dry land and ancient well brought the past into the present.

Here we visited a widow with five daughters who had made Aliyah when she was a young adult. Twelve years ago, she was suddenly widowed, her youngest just four years old. She struggled for many years with deep grief, and in the midst, she tried her best to work and to raise the daughters on her own. Only recently she had found the strength to return to work as an artist, illustrator and published author. As we sat in her living room, enjoying herbal tea and local dates, Corrie asked about her daughters and the conversation led to shared experiences as mothers, and other common interests. After a while, she brought out examples of her artwork, something which surprised and delighted Corrie and we were thrilled to find out we had witnessed a milestone akin to a rose finally unfurling. It was definitely an uplifting and encouraging visit. Homecare continues to support and undergird this family who are finding their place in the Israeli society, including army service.  

Our next visit was to an elderly couple in their eighties who have been living for eight years in Jerusalem after many years in Latvia, but originally from Moscow. They knew the sense of being the wandering Jew and a pile of suitcases in a corner of their apartment was a symbolic reminder of that perception. They carefully read the card that accompanied their gift, with its uplifting words of Scripture in Russian and this made them visibly touched by the love it spoke.

Both were unwell and pale and they were not so happy in Israel; they kept referring to their happier times in Latvia – Aliyah does not always lead immediately to an easier life. For some, the journey continues long after arriving in Israel, as they struggle with a new culture and language, declining health and personal challenges. Homecare plays a small but vital role in walking alongside them.  

At the beginning of the visit, they updated Corrie on their situation and needs. As conversation slowly unfolded, they began asking questions about us and why we were there, a beautiful moment of sharing our love for the God of Israel and His love for his people.  As they became more comfortable with us, they became concerned that we were due to return home to Australia that very night, and who would be there for us? In a sweet gesture of concern, the lady went to the refrigerator and took out some cheese she wanted us to have on our travels. In this visit, we saw the result of shared love.

Our last visit was to a lady from Ukraine who will soon turn 80. She made Aliyah in the end of the 1990s, together with her elderly parents and her husband. They all received nursing assistance from Homecare, but have now passed away, and she remains with her son and seven children living nearby. Over the years, she and Corrie have developed a warm relationship. She is unable to get out and about, and so depends on others calling on her.

Around a beautifully laid luncheon table, she became very animated in her conversation, sharing her fears about the state of the world. Having lost family in the unspeakable Babi Yar tragedy in Ukraine in 1941, the trauma has surfaced in her later years. Corrie translated as she wanted us to know her feelings and find out ours. It was wonderful to shift the conversation, and all agreed that the God of Israel is still in control.

Thank you, Corrie, for letting us see your heart and Homecare in action. What a joy and a privilege it was to be involved in even such a small way with something so beautiful!

Sharing the love together

These three visits offer just a glimpse of what ICEJ Homecare means to Russian Jewish immigrants across Israel. The practical assistance matters, but so do the long-standing relationships built over many years – reminding people that they are not forgotten.

Your support of ICEJ Homecare makes a lasting difference in the lives of Jewish immigrants in Israel. Please continue to stand with them by giving at help.icej.org/homecare