Comfort, Healing for Haifa Home Holocaust Survivors
By: ICEJ Staff
“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.
Providing Comfort, Healing for Holocaust Survivors
Alongside the various 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 helping our Survivors feel good about their outer appearance can provide healing for Survivors on the inside. This new addition will be especially beneficial for many of the female 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 enjoy professional haircuts and color treatments, as well as a dedicated space for manicures and pedicures. Our goal is to provide personalized attention in a relaxing atmosphere. The salon will feature soft music and the option to enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee, creating a peaceful retreat for everyone. We look forward to welcoming our residents to this new space in the weeks ahead.
Never Too Old to Learn
As people, their muscles need activation—but their brains doo too! Recognizing this, ICEJ staff member Maria started teaching Hebrew lessons at the home for our Russian-speaking residents. The success of these lessons is evident as students graduate to advanced levels. The newest class consists of five Russian-speaking residents. The oldest, Svetlana, fled her hometown in war-torn Ukraine at 89. Now 91, Svetlana still strongly desires to learn Hebrew, the language of her new homeland. Most of her classmates are in their late 80s, all willing to embrace new challenges, no matter their age. These residents do not cease to inspire us.
Holocaust Survivors in Israel
When the ICEJ first started giving more priority to helping Holocaust survivors some 18 years ago, about 250,000 Survivors were remaining in Israel. According to a recent government report, the current number of Holocaust Survivors in Israel stands at 123,715, including 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, mainly Jews living under the Vichy French regime in Morocco and Algeria, as well as Iraqi Jews.
Below are current statistics about Holocaust Survivors in Israel:
- 63% of the current survivors in Israel are women.
- 37% were born in the Former Soviet Union (FSU), 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 in Haifa, with 8,359 residents, followed by Jerusalem, with 7,890, and Tel Aviv with 6,177.
Haifa Home Volunteers
Something we deeply enjoy at the Haifa Home is welcoming temporary volunteers from around the world. Their presence lifts our Survivor’s spirits and provides valuable support to our team. We are especially grateful for Gabriela and Daniel Hess from Switzerland, who joined us for three months. Here are their impressions:
“Within just a few days, we . . . gained valuable insights into the important work of the ICEJ. . . . 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 joy . . . 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 [have been] honored to be part of this wonderful team and contribute our talents to this special ministry.”
A Multifaceted 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 is the Haifa Home coordinator, Yudit Setz, a bridge builder with a lot of heart and always an open ear.
Special Moments to Remember
One unforgettable moment that truly touched our staff members’ hearts recently was a soothing paraffin hand treatment we 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 “flea market” for the residents. The air was filled with laughter and dancing, as bags, wheelchairs, and rollators were loaded with new treasures.
Help Provide Healing for Holocaust Survivors
Support our work at the Haifa Home for Holocaust Survivors, as we care for these precious Survivors of Nazi cruelty and help them find peace and continued healing.
Donate today at: www.icejusa.org/holocaust-survivors
Main photo: ICEJ Deputy AID Director Yudit (right) with 103-year-old Auschwitz Survivor Miriam (left)
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