Last week, Fellowship staff visited elderly Jews and Holocaust survivors in Haifa, delivering special food boxes for Shavuot. As recipients received dairy products to make their favorite holiday treats, many shared stories of life in marginalized Jewish communities during Nazi Germany and the postwar years of the former Soviet Union. But for some, hardship did not stem from anti-Semitic policies alone—it came from challenges within their own families.
For 88-year-old Chana, life has always been defined by sacrifice. As a mother, caregiver, and provider, she raised five children on her own. Despite the many challenges she has faced, she embraces them with the same devotion she shows her children.
Chana has always been part of a large family. Born in Casablanca in 1938, she was the eldest of nine children. Her father served as a community rabbi throughout his life, and Chana’s deep faith has sustained her through even the most difficult times. Although Jewish life in Morocco was less restricted than in some other countries, Jewish communities still faced marginalization. Chana recalls that everyone in her community dreamed of one day moving to Israel.
She says, “In 1962, I came to Israel with my two daughters. Just arriving in Israel was very emotional for me, like a dream coming true and all the stories from the Bible come alive. The first years were not easy. I lived in public housing and struggled to build a new life. I raised my children on my own without help. However, every time I visit the Western Wall, I felt something special.”
The greatest challenge in Chana’s life was raising five children with very limited resources. Sadly, one of her children passed away, and three others require ongoing medical supervision, spending much of their time in assisted living facilities or hospitals. Chana says that when one child comes home, another often leaves to receive care. Still, the family tries to be together for the Sabbath each week.
“The help I receive from The Fellowship means a lot to me. At my age, it is not easy to go shopping or manage everything alone. Extra money to buy food is very significant because I don’t have to worry that I won’t be able to afford to buy the food I need,” Chana says. “I want to thank the donors very much. May you have much goodness in your lives.
