Fellowship staff visited Jerusalem to see several Fellowship-supported projects that provide food, shelter, and companionship to elderly Israelis. Their first stop was the Chen Elderly Housing Complex, which is home to more than 200 seniors, followed by the ESHEL Chabad soup kitchen. The visits gave staff the opportunity to see firsthand how these projects serve vulnerable elderly residents each day.
About half of the residents at the Chen Elderly Housing Complex receive meals delivered directly to their rooms. These meals are distributed every day except Friday and Saturday. Fellowship staff helped with that Monday’s meal delivery, meeting many of the elderly residents who depend on this daily service.
Bella, who lives on her own in the housing complex, said, “I am grateful to you for what you are doing. Thank you for not forgetting us – the elderly. I am so excited that you came to me. Thank you and may God bless you.” Bella’s situation is not unique. Many residents live alone, making visits like these a source of comfort and encouragement.
The support for elderly Israelis—including Holocaust survivors without family—continues at the ESHEL Chabad soup kitchen. One of the busiest soup kitchens in Jerusalem, it serves hot kosher lunches to elderly residents every day. Volunteers, including Fellowship staff, regularly help serve meals while also offering companionship to those who come through its doors.
Miriam shared what the soup kitchen means to her: “During the war it was so important that we had a place like this where we could come and get hot, tasty food. It’s very nice to come here, to sit here. There are good people and delicious, kosher food. I thank you very much for not forgetting the weak and the needy, and for thinking of us all the time. Thank you for the opportunity you give us.”
“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:14).