Family Update from the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust Survivors
For the elderly residents of the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa, we provide a warm and welcoming community that feels more like family than a retirement home. Each one lost many relatives in the Holocaust some 80 years ago, and they are so glad to now live out their lives in dignity among our caring staff and fellow Survivors who shared the same experiences. Here are some of the latest happenings at the Haifa Home—and a video testimony of one Holocaust Survivor’s story.
Celebrating Life
Birthdays are always milestones for our residents and worth celebrating! The personal attention they receive is always meaningful and makes them feel special. One resident from Ukraine was so excited to celebrate her birthday that she organized a party and invited the staff to celebrate with her. It brought her so much joy to arrange the party. Her excitement for the celebration was evident, and her heartfelt words truly resonated with everyone present. Reflecting on her journey fleeing from Odessa two years ago, Natalia shared her emotional transition:
When I first arrived here, tears were a daily occurrence. Leaving behind my social circles, home, and everything I knew was difficult. My husband passed away, and my son lives abroad, and I felt utterly alone. But now I feel like I’ve found a family here. You are my family! I’m grateful every day for the chance to live in this community, the care I receive, and the sense of belonging.
Solidarity Groups Visit the Haifa Home
In a wonderful display of solidarity, an ICEJ German group of over 40 people recently made a heartwarming visit to Israel, bringing gifts and singing songs to uplift the residents of the Haifa Home. All the Survivors were deeply moved by their visitors’ acts of love and support despite the war and the rise of antisemitism across the West.
One resident, Lena, was touched when she received a gift from some of the Germans in the group. With tears in her eyes, she remarked: “If I hadn’t come to the Haifa Home, I would have never known that Germany has so many Christians who love us.” She added, “Thank you so much, German Christians—for supporting Israel, for praying for us, for helping us and sympathizing with us, and for coming to us, even though we are in the middle of a war. From all my heart, I am thankful and send you God’s blessings.”
Lena’s words are just one example of the profound impact felt by countless residents who were touched by the solidarity of the German group.
Remembering Genia Schwartzbert
Genia Schwartzbert, a beloved resident of the Haifa Home, passed away recently at nearly 101. She survived immense loss during the Holocaust, including her parents and separation from her brother, while protecting her younger sister. After making Aliyah in 1957, she faced more personal tragedies but remained resilient. Genia cherished her time at the Haifa Home, and we will miss her dearly. She was buried in Haifa, surrounded by loved ones. Thank you to those who supported her.
Holocaust Memorial Day
Amid the challenges of war and the troubling rise of antisemitism worldwide, this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day still unfolded at the Haifa Home. Attendees, including Holocaust Survivors, soldiers, schoolchildren, Knesset members, rabbis, and delegates from Russian, Romanian, Taiwanese, and Indian embassies gathered outside together.
Together we remembered the tragedies of the Holocaust. During the ceremony, I addressed the audience with these words:
Precious Holocaust Survivors, I embrace you on this very difficult day in the name of Christians around the world who love you and stand with you. In this very difficult time for Israel here and abroad, nice words at ceremonies without deeds ring empty and have no meaning. ICEJ represents Christians who have echoed the words of Ruth spoken to Naomi. “Your people are my people, and your God is my God.” We stand with you in prayer, in action, fighting against antisemitism, and standing for what is right. You are not alone!
Haifa Home residents.
In the face of adversity, amid the echoes of history’s darkest chapter, these words instilled a glimmer of hope in a time when the people of Israel feel alone in the world. Please partner with the Christian Embassy in our work among Holocaust Survivors in Israel by supporting our special elderly care home for them in Haifa.