Standing With Holocaust Survivors in Israel

IFCJ Canada  |  January 29, 2026

A recent report by Lema’anam highlights the urgent need for the aid and services The Fellowship provides to Holocaust survivors living in Israel. According to The Jerusalem Post, the findings show that many survivors are foregoing necessary medical treatments and care. These challenges stem from access barriers, technology gaps, and even limitations within their own homes.

An annual report estimates that approximately 97,600 Holocaust survivors currently live in Israel. About 28% are homebound, many of whom live in buildings without elevators. Lema’anam reports a 20% increase in calls for medical assistance, along with a 30% increase in difficulties accessing that care. Long travel times have also affected doctors’ ability to respond in a timely manner.

Patients aged 80 and over are forced to wait an average of three weeks longer for specialist appointments than patients in their twenties, despite identical medical needs, according to Lema’anam.

When emergency medical care is needed, increased waiting times significantly raise other risk factors, especially when combined with the logistical complexity of transporting survivors.

The medical system’s general shift towards utilizing more digital tools additionally complicated the care of a population that may struggle to use online tools and applications.

The compounding barriers can lead to postponed tests, missed appointments, and delayed follow-ups, ultimately contributing to a deterioration in health.

Lema’anam (For Their Sake) provides medical care by bringing services directly to Holocaust survivors and assisting with transportation to medical appointments. Last year, IFCJ U.S. awarded grants to Lema’anam through the Paths of Fellowship 2025 program, which helped provide free transportation to doctor appointments for elderly Israelis and Holocaust survivors. Volunteers also distributed Winter Warmth heating cards provided by IFCJ Canada, alongside our Fellowship affiliate organizations.

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we reflected on an entire generation that was targeted simply for being Jewish. The memories will never leave them, but the feelings of despair and invisibility should not last forever.  IFCJ Canada and our supporters will always support those who witnessed and survived one of the darkest chapters in history.