May 21st, 2026 – For Efim and Faina, there has been no ceasefire since the 2026 war with Iran and Hezbollah started in late February.

They only returned to Shlomi (northern Israel) last year after being evacuated for over a year.

Efim and Faina are living very close to the border with Lebanon, they deal on daily basis with drone and rocket attacks from Lebanon. Although there is a bomb shelter in their daughter’s house, they can’t get there in time. Faina has severe hip issues and leg pain, Efim has had heart issues.

Thankfully they stay optimistic and are not living in fear, but the sirens definitely bring back past trauma and memories of WWII.

They were so grateful for Helping Hand Coalition visiting them and for the financial support in the form of grocery cards they received from their German sponsor through GAiN Sponsorship Program, even in the midst of challenging times.