“Why Do They Hate Us?”
Reflections from Holocaust Survivors
Written by: Yudit Setz
Even after the tense and frightening 12-day war with Iran, the sense of relief among our residents was only partial and short-lived. Though the sirens have stopped, and the bomb shelters are empty , tension still remains.
The relentless news of fallen soldiers, threats from Syria, and a disturbing global rise in antisemitism is weighing heavily on many of our residents Even for those trying to avoid the headlines, the tension is impossible to ignore.
“During the day we have our activities,” says Naomi, “we’re together and we keep busy with other things. But when I come home, I feel this tightness in my chest. I never thought I’d live to see a time where another Holocaust could seem possible. But it’s beginning to feel like that.”
Haya shared this sorrow. “My heart is broken with what is happening here in Israel. So much death, so much hatred. And our brave soldiers are giving their lives to protect us. I carry it with me from the moment I wake up. It never leaves.” When we talked about the growing antisemitism abroad, she continued, “How can this be happening again? Reading the Psalms helps me. It gives me strength. We have to stay strong. May God help us.”
As the world continues to feel more unstable, and as antisemitism grows louder in the world, our residents’ words are a reminder: this is not just a political crisis, but a deeply personal one for those who have already lived through the darkest chapters of Jewish history.
In Spite of Everything
Our fitness room, next to the physiotherapy room, is attracting more and more residents. Sarah, who uses a wheelchair, came to the fitness room for the first time since the war. It’s very important to her to stay active to help her regain the ability to walk a little. Coming to the fitness room encourages her to leave her apartment, get dressed, put on makeup, and connect with other residents. Beyond the physical benefits, it gives her so much more.
Even during these very hot summer months, some of our resident’s love coming to the “Paraffin” activity. Each person receives a warm paraffin treatment for their hands, which lasts about 20 minutes. In that time, they talk together about all kinds of topics and even those who do not know Hebrew so well, try to communicate with one another and get to know one another. All these activities enhance the feeling of family and community which each resident is in need of.
Extending the Family
Dor lives not far from the Haifa Home. He’s a bit lonely and has been joining our community over the past year for daily lunches. He also comes along whenever we have concerts or other activities that suit him. When Yudit encouraged him to try the art classes, he said, “I don’t know how to draw, I know how to measure… I was an engineer. But if you give me a ruler and a pencil, I’ll see what I can do.” So, Nancy, our art therapist, began working with him and he slowly learned to draw. Since then, he comes to his corner every Wednesday morning to sketch and paint perspective drawings. He spends peaceful, meaningful time there sipping tea, nibbling biscuits, with classical music playing in the background… all within a safe, loving space that welcomes him and inspires him to be creative even at the age of 92.
Celebration
One of the small but deeply meaningful things we do as a team is to personally celebrate each resident’s birthday. Many of them have had difficult lives, and some have no family at all, or family living far away. The love and attention they receive on their birthday often moves them to tears.
Galina D. turned 88. Originally from Leningrad she made Aliya with her sick daughter in March 2012. Sadly, 2 years later, her daughter passed away. After that Galina became very lonely and sick. Having no family in Israel and only speaking Russian, the loneliness deepened. Then through a friend of a friend, she heard about the Haifa Home and decided to come and see it for herself. She moved in about 13 years ago. When we sang to her, read a personal birthday blessing, and gave her a voucher for the Beauty Salon, her voice was full of emotion, and she said: “I am so happy to be part of this community. I don’t have family here. but you are my family. I’m so grateful I moved in 13 years ago.”
