18.05.2025

After a long break caused by the war, fellowship finally opened again at Shalom House, where the Helping Hand Coalition family warmly welcomed dear guests back once more. On May 18th, a beloved group of Holocaust survivors from Hadera, led by Sima Fiedosov, gathered in Caesarea to begin a new season of connection and friendship.

The reunion quickly became a deeply emotional moment, filled with hugs and heartfelt conversations as everyone shared how much they had missed one another. Greeting the group, Bozena spoke about how deeply we all need these precious times together. She then reflected on preparing our hearts for Shavuot, which was only two days away. She spoke about the anticipation of receiving the Torah from God just forty days after the liberation from slavery in Egypt.

Bozena also mentioned the traditional reading of the Book of Ruth during Shavuot and connected it to her own life story, sharing that she too had once been like Ruth, speaking those same words during her own journey. Her testimony touched some of the women deeply, and their thoughtful expressions revealed that they were quietly pondering their own life journeys and transitions.

Uliana continued the program with beautiful songs that carried everyone into a theme of thanksgiving — gratitude for the first fruits, for all that God gives in life, and for the Word of God sent as a light and blessing to all nations through Israel.

At the conclusion of the meeting, one of the survivors, Raisa, who had recently celebrated her 91st birthday, shared a meaningful quote from a Dagestani poet: “I do not ask for much in life, only that bread would become cheaper and human life more valuable.”

As everyone said their goodbyes beside the bus, hearts were already looking forward to the next gathering.