Your kindness continues to shine brightly during these dark times. As air raid sirens sound across Israel since October 7th, your generosity provides a different kind of security for Holocaust survivors – the safety of a well-maintained home and the comfort of knowing they haven’t been forgotten.
For many survivors, the current war has awakened painful memories from their past. The sounds of sirens, the rush to shelters, the uncertainty – these experiences hit differently for those who’ve lived through history’s darkest chapter. Many find themselves isolated, with regular support networks disrupted and fear keeping them homebound.
This is where your support makes a world of difference. Each repair Tenufa Bakehila completes isn’t just fixing a wall or installing a grab bar – it’s telling these remarkable individuals: “We see you. We remember. You matter to us.”
Let us share how your generosity has transformed lives this past month:
Real Lives, Real Impact: February 2025
In February alone, your generosity helped Tenufa Bakehila complete vital home repairs for six Holocaust survivors, addressing critical safety concerns and creating healthier living environments:
In Jerusalem, we helped Moses*, a Holocaust survivor whose walls were damaged by leaks. Our team repaired the walls, applied anti-mold paint, and installed essential grab handles to prevent falls. We also set up washing lines to improve daily living conditions.
In Bat Yam, three Holocaust survivors received crucial help:
- Isaac and his spouse received comprehensive wall repairs and fresh paint throughout their home, along with newly painted door frames and doors.
- For Jacob and Rina, we performed full apartment repairs including painting, fixed a toilet leak, and replaced a deteriorating sink.
- Leora, who was at risk of falling, received new flooring throughout her home and repairs to dangerous stairs at her entrance.
In Netivot, two survivors now live in safer, more dignified conditions:
- Hadassah’s home received putty and paint repairs throughout, replacement of faulty faucets and electrical sockets, and proper window sealing to prevent drafts.
- Sam benefited from putty and paint repairs throughout his home, along with replacement of inadequate lighting fixtures.
Why This Matters
Think about what home means to you. Now imagine having survived the Holocaust, only to live your final years in a place with crumbling walls, leaky plumbing, or floors that threaten to trip you with every step.
Since October 7th, these repairs have become lifelines. A sealed window isn’t just about comfort – it’s protection during rocket attacks. Grab bars aren’t merely conveniences – they’re essential for quickly reaching shelter when sirens wail. Stable flooring isn’t just aesthetic – it prevents falls when hurrying to safety.
Your generosity creates more than just functional spaces – it restores dignity and brings peace of mind during frightening times. When we tell these survivors that caring people from around the world contributed to fixing their homes, their eyes light up with the knowledge that they haven’t been forgotten.
Thank you for standing with Holocaust survivors during these challenging times. Your compassion brings light to those who once faced darkness, and safety to those who deserve peace in their final years.
*All names have been changed to protect privacy.