Caring for Tel Aviv’s Most Vulnerable
CBN Israel and The Jewish Agency for Israel are collaborating on initiatives that provide deeply subsidized housing for elderly Holocaust survivors and immigrants, while also delivering vital, immediate aid to victims of terror.
The Foundation of Dignity: Affordable Housing
The heart of this effort is found in places like Ha-Megoor, subsidiary housing operated by The Jewish Agency in the southern part of Tel Aviv. This neighborhood, which has faced challenges for years, is now home to a beacon of hope for poor, elderly individuals who lack pension funds or property.
"This is a place of hope. This is a place of dignity where elderly people that are poor... can come here and have a life of security," explains Danielle Mor, Director of Christian Friends of The Jewish Agency. Many residents are people who made Aliya (immigration to Israel) years ago and are now living on extremely limited means.
The subsidized housing is life changing. Residents can live in a secure apartment, often paying less than $200 a month.
CBN Israel’s support has been crucial in expanding this initiative. "As we were striving to give frail, poor elderly a life of dignity and hope and to build for them new apartments, CBN stepped in," Mor says. In a building where 60 new apartments were constructed, CBN sponsored the construction of two of them, providing two couples with a vital new lease on life.
The impact is clear in the testimonies of residents. Yulia, a Ukrainian immigrant who has lived in Israel for 25 years, was contemplating moving back to Ukraine because she couldn't afford to stay without a pension. She was previously paying 7,500 shekels in rent and expenses; in the subsidized housing, she now pays only 350 shekels.
Immediate Aid for Victims of Terror
The partnership extends beyond long-term housing to provide immediate, emotional, and practical support for victims of terror across Israel.
"The Jewish Agency for many years, for about 20 years now has been reaching out to help directly victims of terror in Israel," Mor explains. This help often takes the form of essential assistance, such as food distribution.
During a recent distribution, volunteers prepared packages designed to last a week, filled with various foods. The goal, however, goes beyond the practical. "It's also telling them you are loved. You are cared for. You are not alone," Mor emphasizes.
The logistical help from CBN Israel volunteers is particularly meaningful, especially during times of conflict when sirens are sounding and people are afraid to leave their homes.
"The fact that CBN volunteers are here to help us with this food distribution... you know people are afraid to leave their houses," Mor acknowledges. "The fact that you're here that you drove through the sirens and that you're here to help us... is just incredible. And that's a huge uplifting and truly thank you."
Through providing a safe, affordable roof overhead for immigrants and Holocaust survivors, and delivering immediate care to victims of terror, the partnership between CBN Israel and The Jewish Agency for Israel continues to be a tangible source of dignity, security, and hope.
