Why I Started Light of Care

I was born in Ukraine, and both of my parents are Holocaust survivors. They were small children when the war started, and their families had to leave everything behind, fleeing for their lives to escape the Nazi invasion. My mother was only four years old. One of her earliest memories is of their family dog running after the bus as they escaped—dogs weren’t allowed on board. She spent three long years in Uzbekistan, nearly dying from pneumonia and suffering from extreme food shortages. When they finally returned home, their house had been destroyed by bombs, and her family was forced to live in a small room at the school where her mother worked as a teacher.

I grew up listening to these stories, feeling both immense pride in the strength of that generation and deep fear at the hardships they endured. Their resilience shaped my understanding of survival, dignity, and the responsibility to remember.

They survived and went on to live long and productive lives, contributing to their families and communities. But today, in their old age, they face new struggles and need our help more than ever.

As of September 2024, approximately 130,000 Holocaust survivors live in Israel. Many of them, nearly a quarter, survive solely on old-age pensions and income support, struggling in poverty with little assistance. They deserve better.

I started Light of Care to support Holocaust survivors like my parents—those who endured unimaginable hardship as children and now face difficulties aging with dignity. This nonprofit is not only about providing assistance but also about ensuring their life stories are preserved and shared with future generations.

We cannot let their experiences fade into history. We must honor them by remembering, supporting, and advocating for their dignity. That is the mission of Light of Care, and I invite you to join us in making a difference today.