Yudit Setz ICEJ Haifa Home Project Coordinator
7.5.2025
ICEJ Brings Joy To The Residents Of The Haifa Home
Along with spring, 2025, a beautifully renovated Beauty Salon was opened in the ICEJ’s special Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa. Thanks to the generous support of ICEJ-Austria, the Holocaust survivors living at our Haifa Home now have a special place where both men and women can relax, refresh, and enjoy a little extra care. In just a short time, 15 residents sat in the salon chair, had their hair or nails done, and walked away smiling!
The transformation of the space has been remarkable. What was once just a simple room is now warm and welcoming, with freshly painted walls in soft, soothing colours. Bright new lighting fills the space, mirrors line the walls, and comfortable salon chairs invite residents to sit back and enjoy the experience. Every detail, from the styling tools to the carefully chosen nail polish colours, was selected with love and care.
For many of our residents, life has been filled with hardship and loss, but this salon offers something simple yet powerful: the chance to feel refreshed, valued and uplifted. A fresh haircut, or a neat manicure or pedicure, might seem small, but to them it means being seen, being cared for, and being reminded that they matter. One resident, after looking around, heartily expressed: “It’s so amazing here. Thank you all for making the effort.”
To make this experience even more special, we have welcomed a talented hairdresser and a nail specialist to the Home. Working with the same heart as we have for the residents, they have already made a beautiful impact through conversations and gentle encouragement to each person who sits in their chair. The convenience of having an on-site salon saves the residents from having to take a taxi to their hairdresser or to have their nails done. It is a small but meaningful way to show them that they are loved and cherished.
Honouring Our Caregivers
When our residents need 24/7 help, many have a foreign caregiver who lives with them. Our community at the Haifa Home includes not only 50 Holocaust survivors but also a dedicated group of 18 caregivers. These caregivers come from various countries to accommodate the different languages spoken by our residents. They hail from Ukraine, India, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Moldova and the Philippines.
Many caregivers come from challenging economic backgrounds, often leaving their own families behind in search of better opportunities for their children. Their work is demanding, as caring for elderly survivors requires patience, strength and deep compassion. Despite these challenges, they perform their duties with remarkable dedication. Far from home and frequently feeling isolated, they bear not only the weight of their daily responsibilities but also the worries about their loved ones back home.
They often share their stories about difficulties with residents or with their family back home, yet they continue to give their best, day and night.
Reah from the Philippines recently shared her heart, saying: “When we are able to tell you our problems and you help us find solutions, it relieves so much of the stress we carry.”
We wanted to honour them with a special event organised just for them! The story from Genesis 16 seemed so fitting. It tells the story of Hagar who ran away as Sarah treated her badly. On the way to Egypt, the Angel of the Lord found her at a spring and spoke to her. “Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are the God who sees’ …” (Genesis 16:13). The message we wanted to convey is that we see them, and God sees them too.
To show these caregivers how much they are valued, one of our team members baked angel-shaped cookies with golden hearts and gifted them to each caregiver. It was a small gesture, but it carried deep meaning. Many tears flowed as they realised that their sacrifices, struggles, and love for the residents were truly recognised and appreciated.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful surprise and the appreciation for our hard work and dedication. It was an unforgettable surprise,” said one caregiver.
Caring for those who help serve the unique needs of these survivors only improves our level of care for the Haifa Home residents. These caregivers give their all every single day, and we are grateful for the opportunity to remind them that they are seen.
Celebrating Life
Miriam was born in Poland and lived in ghettos and concentration camps from September 1939 until ending up at the Auschwitz death camp, from where she was liberated at the end of the war in 1945. Recently, we celebrated her 103rd birthday!
Never Too Old To Learn
How exciting it is to see 15 residents, all 80+ years old, studying Hebrew in our ‘ulpan’ – language classes. There are different classes for different levels of Hebrew, and some have been studying for more than a year.
“I was able to make myself understood in the hospital today in Hebrew,” one resident proudly shared. Others can order things in Hebrew or answer simple questions they are asked. It gives them a feeling of connection and being part of the Jewish homeland in a deeper way. The teacher, Maria, also gives private Hebrew lessons at home to two homebound residents from Ukraine. “I am eagerly waiting for the Hebrew lessons, which I get twice a week,” said Alla
Another way to deepen the connection of these recent immigrants to Israel is by teaching them the Biblical Feasts. Most of the Jewish people from the former Soviet Union know very little about their Jewish heritage, and that is why learning about their own history through the Feasts we celebrate is of great interest to them.
When teaching about Pesach and the Exodus from Egypt, one resident said: “Oh, now I understand why we eat matzah on Pesach.” Jewish traditions suddenly gained deeper meaning and understanding for them.
Through the classes, our Haifa Home residents have become much more connected to one another and new friendships have developed. Also, birthdays are celebrated together with cakes and drinks at the end of the lessons.
Sitting in a wheelchair at home and having to deal with the trauma of leaving everything in Ukraine has made Alla feel down and depressed. Receiving the Hebrew and art lessons in her own apartment have given her a new desire to live, and a smile can often be seen on her face now.
In Memoriam: Yaacov Grossman
Our dear resident Yaacov passed away unexpectedly in March. Yaacov was well loved by everyone. Every day, he walked to the synagogue in the neighbourhood, where he spent all morning studying. He would return for lunch and eat with us before he would go home for a rest. Yaacov was 89 when he passed away. He is very much missed by the Haifa Home family and his own family as well.
