Helping Mina Stay Safe
The Fellowship | January 8, 2024
Ninety-three-year-old Holocaust survivor Mina had a difficult childhood growing up in Ukraine during World War II and escaping the Nazis with her mother and stepfather. But today, she has a happy and full life in Israel thanks to her family’s support and The Fellowship.
She remembers when war began. She was just 11 years old when she saw her mother running to the house. “When my mother opened the door and I saw her face, I understood that something very bad was happening,” says Mina. “She hugged me, looked me in the eyes, and said in a weak voice, ‘Mina, it’s war.’”
They evacuated along with many other desperate people, and some were trampled amid the fear and chaos. “Since those days, I have a fear of crowds, because I understand how dangerous it can be,” says Mina.
While they escaped successfully, they had to flee again as the Nazis approached. Sadly, Mina’s mother perished due to heart issues made worse by the stress of the situation.
Today, Mina is at last living in her homeland and says her life has drastically improved. “Although my husband passed away, I have my daughters, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren. I’m very happy in Israel,” says Mina. “Even now, with the war going on, I feel very safe. I know that the Israeli army and the Israeli people are very strong.”
And she also feels safe because of Fellowship friends like you, who provide regular food boxes, help with buying medicine, and special holiday deliveries during Hanukkah. “I feel that The Fellowship cares about old people like me,” she adds.