Alone at 84, She Thought No One Cared

Born amidst the chaos of WWII, Golda's life began with unimaginable hardship. Her father was killed in the brutal battle for Leningrad, and her mother's quick action was all that saved her from the same fate. 

"My mother lost everything in the bombings. She was left with nothing," Golda recalls. "There wasn’t even a photograph of my father left. We evacuated, but there was no food. My mother constantly worried for her two small children. She was very ill for the rest of her life." 

The deep sadness of war followed Golda throughout her life, its long shadow stretching even after she moved to Israel, where life remained a challenge. Now, at 84, she continues to summon incredible strength.

"In Ukraine, I grew up bullied for my name, Golda. I finally embraced it only in Israel," she shares. "I am grateful to Israel, even though it was very, very hard in the beginning, and I have lived through many tragedies. My husband died of cancer. Then my mother died. I was left alone in this apartment. At first, I cried all the time. It is very hard for a person to be alone. very hard. I don't wish it for anyone."

When Golda connected with CBN Israel, her immediate need for assistance was recognized. 

"4 years ago, my apartment was flooded, and since then I wasn’t able to use the washing machine," Golda explains. "I would wash clothes in a basin by hand. It was very hard, very unpleasant."

CBN Israel is passionate about caring for elderly Israelis and Holocaust survivors. Because of the kindness of donors, Golda received a brand-new washing machine and assistance with much-needed repairs in her apartment. 

"I'm so happy," Golda says. "Now, the laundry only takes a short time. it's wonderful. I remember when I still lived in Ukraine, I couldn’t afford a washing machine. And I dreamt of coming to Israel and buying one."

CBN Israel brought hope and joy into Golda's life, and especially in this time of war, she now has a constant reminder that someone truly cares for her. Golda's greatest wish remains for peace: "I just wish there was peace, may there be peace everywhere. 
May there be no more war, so that the biggest problem would be a broken washing machine." She concludes with a heartfelt thank you: "Thank you for your attention, for your kindness, which is very important at such an age, when it’s so seldom that you receive attention and kindness from others. This is very important. Thank you very much. I feel like bragging about this to my friends.”