May 29th, 2026 – Anna Yemeliamov is 90 years old. Her daughter, Lena, is 65 years old and already a pensioner. They live together in a rented apartment. Lena recently flew to Ukraine for a visit. Anna herself was in Ukraine during the Holocaust (Shoah).
When asked about the recent war with Iran, Anna shared that they do not have a bomb shelter in their building, only a shelter located in the basement on floor -1. Since she lives on the second floor, there is often not enough time for her to make it downstairs during the missile sirens, so she remains in her apartment while her daughter, being younger, goes down to the shelter.
When asked how this differs from her experiences during the Shoah, Anna explained that during the Shoah in Ukraine, they would hide underground when necessary. Today, however, because of her age and physical weakness, it is much more difficult for her to reach the shelter at the very bottom of the building.
Anna also shared that her closest friend, who was like a sister to her, passed away less than a month ago. She too was a Holocaust survivor and was 93 years old.
Anna has previously come to a Helping Hand Coalition Shalom House in Caesarea with their group of Holocaust survivors. She expressed deep gratitude for the new washing machine and sincerely thanked the donors from the USA (Roger) for thinking of her and caring for people like her.
Anna was especially moved when she heard that God had placed it on the hearts of sponsors (Roger) on the other side of the world to remember and support Holocaust survivors in Israel. She said it touched her deeply to know that they are not forgotten, but still remembered, loved, and carried in people’s hearts, and that this practical help is part of that expression of care and compassion.
