The story of 87-year-old Nicolay from Moldova, who receives aid from The Fellowship, is deeply moving. It tells of a man who learned to fend for himself at a very young age, rarely accepting help from others, and who is now learning that after a lifetime of supporting those around him, it’s okay to receive help from people who genuinely care.
Nicolay was only two years old when the Nazis invaded his hometown of Kishinev in 1941. When his family was evacuated to Uzbekistan, their hardships had only just begun. Everyone was expected to work on a collective farm — including Nicolay and his grandparents. He remembers working in the cotton fields at just three years old. Separating the soft cotton from the spiky husks left his fingers torn and raw, a painful feeling he still remembers today.
When the family was finally able to return home in 1944, the Kishinev they once knew was gone, along with the familiar sound of Yiddish spoken in the streets.
With his parents busy working, Nicolay learned about his Jewish heritage primarily from his grandfather, who prayed faithfully each day. From him, Nicolay learned daily prayers, how to speak Yiddish, and, most importantly, how faith can sustain a person through hardship. Still, there were few people around with whom he could share his Jewish identity. As a college student, Nicolay experienced anti-Semitism from classmates. Despite this, he excelled academically and earned his engineering degree.
Throughout his life and career, Nicolay became known as someone others could depend on for guidance and support. Whenever there was a problem to solve or a leadership role to fill, he was often the first to step forward.
Today, Nicolay still lives in his hometown, sharing an apartment with his late wife’s sister. Although she is older than he is and he helps care for her, Nicolay faces serious health challenges of his own. Diabetes and heart disease limit his mobility and make everyday tasks difficult. While he can still make the effort to go to the store, his worsening vision makes it hard for him to read labels or navigate easily. At the same time, his pension barely covers food and other essentials.
“I always kept my brain busy. That’s how you prolong life,” Nicolay said. “I’ve never actually asked anyone for support. I was always the support. I don’t like standing with my hand out. It feels wrong.”
Thanks to The Fellowship, Nicolay is now able to eat regular, healthy meals. His homecare worker, Valentina, says that having a hot meal — and knowing another will come the next day — is enough to brighten his spirits.
“When I express gratitude, it applies to everyone who makes this possible,” Nicolay said. “Whether I know them or not, my feeling of gratitude toward them is very strong.”
