May 31st, 2026 – Maya and her husband immigrated to Israel from St. Petersburg in 2006. Ten years later her husband died of cancer. They were marries for 65 years.

“When we came, he was already ill. The doctors here said nothing could be done and could not say how long he had. He lived ten more years and had two heart attacks. I am grateful for him and for life in general. One can live here.”

Mays lives in a tiny government “hostel” for the elderly. Her room is just 15 square meters, which serves as kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Her only income is the old age allowance of NIS 4,000, out of which the rent is 1,200, and the rest goes for food, household items, medicines “and everything else”.

Maya’s son is 67 and is ill with lung cancer. She has a number of serious ailments such as Alzheimer’s, chronic heart disease, osteochondrosis and more.

Maya was happy and thankful for the visit. “It matters that you remember us and visit us. May God bless you in all your undertakings. Thank you for the gift.”