Aid for Blind Holocaust Survivor

When I first decided to come to Israel for a semester, I never imagined that one of my greatest friendships would be with an 80 year old, blind holocaust survivor. But, over these past few months, I’ve had the privilege of exactly that.

Yisrael David lives in a tiny hole in the wall apartment next door to my seminary building. The dimly lit room, crumbling with age, is overflowing with boxes and old furniture. There are no windows and the air is stale. Upon walking in you are almost compelled to feel bad about his situation. But, when you see him break out into his giddy, unassuming smile the whole room seems to change. Sadly though, he is currently wheelchair bound with two broken legs.  Due to these disabilities, the government provides him with 25 hours of aid a week. But, the issue lies in the remaining 143 hours for which he can't afford an aid and thereby can’t make it to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or even around his house to get food or to use the bathroom. While my friends and I have been visiting him as regularly as we can, it’s simply not enough. The nights we can’t make it he often goes hungry and sits alone in his bed. Having gotten to know him on such a personal level, I know that as difficult as this is for him, he is always ready to crack a joke and put a smile on everyone’s faces. He never complains and is so thankful for even the smallest things like being brought a home cooked meal or listening to some music together. Time and time again I have been inspired by his kindness, wisdom, and unshakable faith. So it only makes sense that I now use what he has given me, as well as so many others, to give back to him as best as I can. He gives so much and needs so little, so please take part in spreading his light and donate to help this amazing man who has survived the unimaginable survive this too.