In 2023, The Fellowship provided a grant for renovations for the Sephardic House in Haifa’s Day Center for elderly Israelis. The center operates five days a week in the morning and afternoon providing meals and organized activities for visitors and also acts as a residence for some. With the grant, the Sephardic House was able to renovate a new dining room and an entire floor with rooms for activities and classes. This past Thursday, the center held an inauguration ceremony with Fellowship staff.
“The renovation here is simply amazing. It has always been a pleasant place to come to, but now, especially, the club looks so beautiful,” said 87-year-old Emma Avher, who comes to Sephardic House four times a week. “It feels like a real home. This is so important for me and for many other elderly people like me who come here. I want to thank each one of The Fellowship’s donors who made it possible. Thank you for caring about people in Israel and bringing light to our lives.”
Fellowship staff also had the opportunity to hear the stories of some of the Day Center’s members. Emma, who has been living in Israel since 1991, comes to Sephardic House to socialize and meet new people. 91-year-old Yevgenia Matskin was just a girl when World War II broke out. She came to Israel when the Iron Curtain fell after the combined hardship of starving as an orphan and surviving rampant anti-Semitism. Today, she lives at the Sephardic House, where her children and grandchildren visit her.
“I take part in activities for the residents, and with Hanukkah coming soon, I’ll be lighting candles together with everyone. Thanks to the renovated floor, the home can now offer even more programs for seniors like me,” Yevgenia said.
85-year-old Yaakov Zohar has been in Israel the longest, having made aliyah from Morocco in 1955. Like Yevgenia, he was subject to significant anti-Semitism, with Jewish families having a strict curfew under the constant threat of attacks. Yaakov and his family left everything behind to come to Israel. For the past six years, Yaakov has not only found hope but purpose at Sephardic House.
“The renovation carried out here with the support of The Fellowship has completely transformed the place. It’s difficult to express how much this renewal has strengthened us and brightened our days. The activities give me purpose, improve my health, and give me a reason to get out of bed every morning. The lunch I receive here is so important – it’s the only hot meal I have during the day,” said Yaakov.
