January 22, 2026.

On January 22, the HHC headquarters once again opened its doors and warm atmosphere to a wonderful group of Holocaust survivors from Hadera, led by Sima. The cozy living room quickly filled with a sense of closeness, care, and genuine connection.

Bożena Gasiorowski warmly welcomed everyone, greeting the cherished guests and introducing the special speakers of the day: Irena Tishchenko and Andrea Wegener.Andrea opened the meeting with heartfelt greetings from the GAIN organization in Germany, which sends love, support, gifts, and essential items to Holocaust survivors in Israel. She shared how deeply believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Germany care for the survivors, pray for them, and stand with them in true solidarity.

The floor was then given to Irena, a professional psychologist and trauma therapist, who had prepared a special seminar tailored to the participants’ prior requests. She addressed important topics such as anxiety, loneliness, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the ongoing military situation and the constant flow of news. Irena spoke about ten habits that support emotional well-being, including starting the day in a positive way, maintaining physical activity, staying connected with others, practicing gratitude, noticing small moments of joy, reducing inner tension, and learning healthy ways to engage with the news.The discussion also highlighted the value of the “golden age” and the unique opportunity older adults have to share their life experience and wisdom with family and loved ones. One of the women in the group beautifully expressed this by saying, “When my great-grandson talks to me, he often says, ‘Granny, you’re like my own psychologist!’”

The atmosphere was so warm, comfortable, and welcoming that by the end of the meeting, no one wanted to leave. The survivors expressed a heartfelt desire for more gatherings like this in the future—spaces where listening, understanding, and hope can continue to grow.