“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” (Proverbs 17:22)
Amid the ups and downs of life, and especially in these challenging times of war, we are working with the residents of the ICEJ’s Haifa Home for Holocaust survivors to create little oases – places of refuge that provide comfort and healing for their body and soul.
Alongside the variety of activities we already provide, we are excited to announce the upcoming opening of a beauty salon in one of our vacant rooms at the Haifa Home. The idea was partly inspired by Genia, a beloved resident who passed away at 100. She once shared: “I often wake up feeling down, but once I get dressed, put on a nice dress, do my hair, and apply my makeup, I always feel so much better…”
Thus, we see that outer appearance can help people feel better from the inside. This new addition will be especially beneficial for many of the women survivors under our care, who were robbed of so much in life as young girls during the Holocaust.
In our new beauty salon, residents will have access to professional haircuts, colour treatments as well as a designated space for manicures and pedicures, offering personalised attention in a relaxing atmosphere. Complete with soft music and a warm cup of tea or coffee, the beauty salon promises to be a peaceful retreat. We look forward to welcoming our residents to this new space in the weeks ahead.
Never Too Old to Learn
As we age, it is not just our muscles that need activation, but our brains too. Recognising this, ICEJ staff member Maria started teaching Hebrew lessons at the home for our Russian-speaking residents. The success of these lessons can be seen as students graduate to advanced levels. The newest class consists of five Russian-speaking residents. The oldest student in the class is Svetlana, who fled her hometown in war-torn Ukraine at the age of 89. Now 91, Svetlana still has a strong desire to learn Hebrew, the language of her new homeland. Most of her classmates are in their late 80s, all of whom show a great willingness to embrace new challenges, no matter their age. These residents do not cease to inspire us.
NEVER AGAIN! – International Holocaust Remembrance Day
During International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January, the Haifa Home hosted a gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Two of our residents who survived the Auschwitz death camp – Miriam (103), born in Poland, and Judith (96), born in Hungary – lit the flame in memory of all those who perished.
This ceremony was attended by consuls from various countries, as well as Israeli dignitaries, including the Minister of Energy, Eli Cohen.
ICEJ Senior Vice President David Parsons delivered a powerful speech, concluding: “Many Christians today feel they have a strong moral duty to confront the enemies of the Jewish people and nation. You are not alone in this battle. More Christians are standing with you than ever before. And together we will prevail!”
Holocaust Survivors in Israel
When the ICEJ first started giving more priority to helping Holocaust survivors some 18 years ago, there were about 250,000 survivors remaining in Israel. According to a recent government report, the current number of Holocaust survivors in Israel stands at 123,715. This includes 41,751 individuals who survived Nazi persecution and 44,334 who fled the advancing Nazi forces, particularly from the former Soviet Union. Another 37,630 survivors were victims of antisemitism during the war but were outside of Europe – these were mainly Jews living under the Vichy French regime in Morocco and Algeria, as well as Iraqi Jews.
>> 63% of the current survivors in Israel are women.
>> 37% were born in the former Soviet Union, 17% in Morocco and 11% in Iraq.
>> 1/3 of the remaining survivors arrived in Israel between 1948 and 1951.
>> The largest concentration of survivors is found in Haifa, with 8,359 residents, followed by Jerusalem with 7,890, and Tel Aviv with 6,177.
Impressions of two short-term volunteers
One of the things we deeply appreciate at the Haifa Home is welcoming temporary volunteers from around the world. Their presence lifts the spirits of the survivors and provides valuable support to our team. We are especially grateful that Gabriela and Daniel Hess from Switzerland have joined us for three months, and they wanted to share their impressions.
“Our three-month volunteer assignment at the Home for Holocaust survivors in Haifa has begun, and within just a few days, we have already gained valuable insights into the important work of the ICEJ,” they said. “We were particularly impressed by the great commitment of the entire team. Their aim is to convey joy and love – and you can feel that in every encounter. Each individual puts their heart, soul and passion into their work, always with a genuine interest in people. The team is simply great!“
“Celebration is woven into the very fabric of daily life here, as it is an expression of appreciation and joie de vivre,” added Gabriela and Daniel. “The residents, each with their own story, experience love, respect, and a deep sense of community. That is what makes this place truly exceptional. We are honoured to be part of this wonderful team in the coming weeks and to contribute our talents to this special ministry.
A multi-faceted commitment with heart
Our work is diverse and contributes to the residents’ well-being in many ways. Art therapy offers space for creative expression and emotional processing. Physiotherapy alleviates discomfort and brings new energy through movement. In language lessons, even older residents embrace new languages with patience and curiosity. Additionally, a nurse regularly visits to ensure the health and well-being of all residents.
Mastering challenges with sensitivity
In the Haifa Home, people from a vibrant mix of cultures come together, creating a dynamic atmosphere where sensitivity and patience are essential for understanding each other. A particular strength of the Haifa Home is the coordinator Yudit Setz. She is a real bridge builder – with a lot of heart and always an open ear.
Special moments to remember
One unforgettable moment that truly touched our hearts recently was a soothing paraffin hand treatment shared with two residents—a calming and restorative break we all enjoyed deeply.
But the excitement did not stop there. After clearing and cleaning one of the apartments, we set up a little market for the residents. The air was filled with laughter and dancing, and bags, wheelchairs, and rollators were loaded with new treasures.
