They escaped a world that was hunting them down. Since World War II, multitudes of Jewish people who survived the Holocaust have found a haven in Israel. But those who managed to live through that horrific genocide are facing new challenges as they grow older. As of 2024, about 133,000 Holocaust survivors reside in the Holy Land.
Many of these vulnerable senior citizens are living at or below the poverty line—and struggling to keep up with ever-rising costs for medications, groceries, and rent. Some have difficulty understanding Hebrew, which makes it hard to connect with others, obtain necessities, and navigate what can seem to be a complex bureaucracy.
Thousands of these survivors deal with another critical problem: crushing loneliness. They have lost many friends and loved ones over the years and must deal with isolation that affects their physical and mental health.
But caring people like you are there for these precious seniors. Donor gifts enable CBN Israel to partner with the Jewish Agency in offering an innovative program that matches Holocaust survivors with caring young adults who receive training and college scholarships as part of their volunteer commitment.
Thanks to the kindness of generous friends like you, these elderly people now have warm companionship as they receive help with errands, chores, and accessing benefits, services, and community activities that enrich their quality of life.
Yosef, an active 91-year-old whose entire family was murdered in the Holocaust, was teamed with Amit, a graduate student—and the two have become special friends. “We talk about all the issues of the world,” Yosef says. “When Amit comes to visit me, the room is filled with so much light!”
This is just one of the many ways you can be a blessing Holocaust survivors through CBN Israel. You can also reach out to many other people in need with food, finances, and essentials, and letting them know they are not alone.
Please join us in extending a hand to others!
