Senior Citizens Center in Israel
A second home for many elderly in need
July 24, 2023 - 6 Av, 5783
Many elderly in Israel find themselves grappling with isolation, struggling to secure consistent access to nourishing food, and subsisting only on the most modest government stipends. These difficulties are even more pronounced for immigrant populations—such as the thousands of elderly refugees from the current Russian/Ukrainian conflict—due to their advanced age and the language barrier that makes it difficult for them to fully adapt to Israeli society.
After undertaken a distressing journey, these recent refugees arrive with just the clothes on their backs and a few meager belongings. Although they are deeply appreciative of the safety they now enjoy, they are confronted with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.
On a daily basis, the Chamah Community Center in Kiryat Malachi welcomes some one hundred seniors into its Senior Citizens Center. Some of the seniors are WWII veterans and Holocaust survivors. Here, they reclaim their rightful place as esteemed members of society, making meaningful contributions to their own well-being and the wider community.
This nurturing environment offers them an array of enriching experiences. They enjoy freshly prepared, nourishing meals; participate in joyous holiday festivities and cultural observances; engage in exercises tailored to their age, and more – all within a supportive communal ambiance that actively fosters a sense of community and inclusion. The Center's impact extends beyond its physical confines, as it maintains consistent communication with these seniors at their homes, attentively monitoring their welfare throughout the week.
Guided by four overarching objectives – Nutritional, Cognitive, Physical, and Social – the Center coordinates activities that incorporate these vital aspects of the seniors' lives. For these elderly, this program is a vital lifeline. Our success is measured by the seniors themselves who await coming to the Center every day. This resounding enthusiasm is evident in the program's 98% daily attendance rate among its enrolled participants!