Homecare is a central part of the Christian Embassy’s founding mandate in 1980 to “Comfort, comfort My people” (Isaiah 40:1). This mandate was actually given over 2,500 years ago by the prophet Isaiah, and it has been the heart of our work over these recent decades. The Hebrew verb “to comfort” [nechama] carries special meaning in these painful and challenging days for Israel.
In such times, the emphasis of our work is more about just being there for those who are lonely and in need, to be faithful friends and undergird the relationships built up over many years. When Israelis are feeling more and more isolated, that is the time Homecare is needed most. This mission is difficult to explain but precious to experience. It finds voice every time an elderly person under our care warmly greets us with the words: “I have been waiting for you.”
Since the beginning of the current war in Israel, Homecare has reached out especially to the lonely. One elderly lady became so depressed that we were greatly concerned. We asked how we could help her. She replied: “Could you visit me every week?”
Our promise to do so became her lifeline. Every week she plans for the upcoming visit, shopping and preparing a homemade soup for lunch. This weekly anticipation of getting together over a simple meal and sharing life’s daily concerns has lifted this dear lady out of her fears of these difficult times. She always expresses her heartfelt gratitude, saying: “Thank you for coming, you brought me some light.”
In some families the Homecare team visits, the grandchildren are serving in combat units with the Israeli army. We sense the concerns for the young men. We asked one woman where her grandson is fighting. She answered: “He didn’t want to tell me so I wouldn’t be afraid, but I am concerned, and my thoughts are with him day and night.”
We often visit Ludmila (pictured above), who lives in the busy center of Jerusalem. She opens the door with a sweet smile, always glad to see us. Small in size but strong in character, she made Aliyah from Ukraine over two years ago to escape the war with Russia. When her son and granddaughter left for Israel several years ago, she had decided to stay in Ukraine with her very ill husband. She cared for him with love and devotion until he passed away during the Covid pandemic. Left alone with her grief, the war finally pushed her to leave everything dear to her in the land of her birth and move to the Land promised her people.
Ludmila came from a religious background with great respect for Judaism and what it means to be Jewish. Here in Israel, she had to get used to a new life within a very different culture, while also struggling to learn a new language. Yet despite her sense of being uprooted, she also has felt at home in Israel, especially when enjoying her close connection with her son and granddaughter.
Unfortunately, soon after her Aliyah Ludmila faced serious health issues, limiting her ability to properly integrate and make new friends. Thus, our visits are precious for her. We listen to her share stories of life in Ukraine, of victory and courage. One story stands out. There sitting in her small apartment with sunlight streaming through the window, she recounts her close relationship with a Christian friend during her nursing studies many years ago.
“She was my classmate, and we became good friends,” recalled Ludmila. “Once something serious happened which resulted in me defending my Christian friend in front of an entire Communist party group… I stood up for what was right, not fearing the consequence.”
Her eyes sparkled while remembering this moment of defiance and victory!
Among Ludmila’s many stories, there are tales of discrimination due to her Jewish identity. But Ludmila is a true fighter to whom God has given grace to overcome her many difficult challenges in life.
Every visit by ICEJ Homecare brings encouragement, comfort and enduring friendship. Your support of our work has a lasting impact on the lives of some very special elderly Jews who have come home to Israel.
