After learning of father’s past as SS officer at age 18, Didi Henke of Germany visits Israel, later moves to Jewish state to dedicate her life to helping Holocaust survivors. Now, some 20 years later, she is honored by Social Affairs Ministry

David Regev, YNet News, January 31, 2010

"Suddenly, at the age of 18, my life was turned upside down. To learn, out of nowhere, that your father was a Nazi officer – it’s hard to describe the shock." The 67-year-old Didi Henke still finds it difficult to speak of the moment she learned that her father was a senior SS officer.

Following the earth-shattering discovery, Henke decided to move to Israel and dedicate her life to the State and the wellbeing of Holocaust survivors.

Henke learned of her father’s past by chance, during her studies at university in Germany. "In one of the courses we were asked to learn about the history of our cities," she recounted.

"I searched information sources in the university’s archives, and all of a sudden, I found out that my father was an SS officer, who, among other things, was in charge of energy in the city. I was shocked. It felt horrible. I went to talk to him, but both he and my mother refused to cooperate."

The fact that her father showed no remorse for his actions led Henke to cut ties with him: "I took him out of my heart and I decided to dedicate the rest of my life to Holocaust survivors, in hopes of rectifying what my father did."

Fell in love with Israel at first sight

Henke made her first visit to Israel in 1978. She fell in love with the country and returned to it 52 times. In 1987, when she retired, she decided to move to the Jewish state. At the time, her parents had already passed away, and her siblings, who remained true to their father’s Nazi upbringing, barely kept in touch.

Since 1990, Henke has been a volunteer at the Yad Sarah organization and has been aiding Holocaust survivors. "Some of them had a hard time with my German accent, but with time, we created good relations, and I even have friends who are Holocaust survivors," she said in the fluent Hebrew she has acquired over the years.

Henke currently lives in Jerusalem. She says life in Israel and her volunteer work give her much joy. "I belong to the second generation of Germans. We should also be held responsible for what happened there," she said.

On Tuesday the Ministry of Social Affairs held a ceremony honoring Henke and 1,500 other foreigners who arrived in Israel this year to carry out volunteer work. The volunteers, many youths coming from Germany, Holland and Italy, have been living in Israel for several months now and have been volunteering in various fields.

Speaking at the ceremony, Welfare and Social Services Minister Yitzhak Herzog said: "At the end of their stay in Israel, the volunteers become loyal ambassadors of the State of Israel."

Press Release, Yad Sarah, August 6, 2009

The war was finally over. Now it was time to begin the daunting task of initiating or continuing rehabilitative services to the numerous injured soldiers and civilians. A team of Israeli experts in rehabilitation services was assembled and sent to the war-torn region. However, driving on the roads was prohibitive because of all the explosive devices that were still in place. A medical evacuation helicopter was commissioned to ferry the Israeli experts to the areas where they were needed to consult with the local health officials.

This scenario could have taken place in northern Israel after the Lebanon War in 2006 or in southern Israel after the Gaza war in 2009. But it didn’t. It took place in Angola in 2002 at the end of the lengthy and bloody civil war.The Angolan Civil War began in Angola after the end of the war for independence from Portugal in 1975. Formally brought to an end in 2002, an estimated 500,000 people were killed in the 27-year war. The war spawned an enormous humanitarian crisis involving large numbers of displaced and injured persons.

Faced with the overwhelming task of caring for the injured, the government of Angola wanted to know which organization in the world was the most experienced in providing rehabilitative services quickly and efficiently. The answer was Yad Sarah in Israel.

Yad Sarah is Israel’s leading humanitarian organization. Based in the capital city of Jerusalem, Yad Sarah was founded in 1976 and today has over 100 branches throughout Israel. It provides a broad spectrum of home care services for the disabled, elderly, infirm, and their families. With 6000 volunteers and an annual budget of approximately $23 million, Yad Sarah is able to save the State of Israel over $400 million annually in hospitalization and medical expenses. Yad Sarah is best known for its loans of medical and rehabilitative equipment along with guidance and exhibition centers which demonstrate the use of the most common devices. For its role in assisting the rehabilitation of injured in developing countries, Yad Sarah was accepted as an NGO at the Department of Public Information of the UN. It was also granted special consultative status to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

When the Yad Sarah team arrived in Angola, the numerous landmines weren’t their only problem, there was a significant communication difficulty. The Israelis spoke mostly Hebrew while the Angolan health officials spoke mostly Portuguese. At first, the Israeli embassy had to provide translation services, but in a short time, everyone was speaking the common language of mutual assistance and cooperation and translators were no longer needed. The Israelis established a center for collecting, maintaining, and distributing the various wheelchairs and rehabilitative equipment that were available in Angola. Onsite training was also available. That center is still operational today and another is being planned.

Yad Sarah began its international operations in 1992 with a request from the Joint Distribution Committee to assist the elderly and disabled Jews living in the Former Soviet Union. A lending, guidance, and exhibition center was established in St. Petersburg. Since then, dozens of similar centers have been established throughout the FSU.

The success of the operation in the FSU encouraged the JDC to approach Palestinian medical officials about establishing centers in the areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority. By the year 2000, a large lending center was established in Ramallah and it is still operational today. Soon after, Yad Sarah was receiving requests from around the globe: Uzbekistan, Cameroon, South Africa, and South Korea. It was this work, in addition to the operation in Angola, which led to the recognition from the United Nations as well as receipt of the Israel Prize, Israel’s highest honor. Yad Sarah currently has projects with Jordan, India, and a variety of European and African states.

Just last month, elderly Holocaust survivors in Riga, Latvia received home visits from Ilana Acrich and Zehava Dvir, of Yad Sarah’s Exhibition and Guidance Centers, who shared their expertise in rehabilitative services. The focus of the visit was training for health care workers at WIZO-Rachamim. Jewish Health International (JHI) of Atlanta, GA organized the visit.

Yad Sarah’s international operations are a quintessential example of the benefits of mutual cooperation. The host countries benefit from Yad Sarah’s vast knowledge and experience while the Yad Sarah staff benefits from additional training and exposure to multicultural issues. Since Yad Sarah has a limited budget, funding is usually provided by interested third parties which include the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yad Sarah’s renowned work has been instrumental in improving relations between Israel and developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The tireless director of Yad Sarah’s international department is Meir Handelsman. Mr. Handelsman was born 67 years ago in the British Palestine Mandate to Polish parents who fled from the growing threats of Anti-Semitism in Europe. Fortunately, his parents were able to flee from Europe before doors were closed by the Evian Conference and the British White Paper. Mr. Handelsman was educated in Israel and received advanced degrees from Hebrew University and University of California at Berkely. He spent 32 years with the Israeli Ministry of Health before joining Yad Sarah 11 years ago. Recently he capitulated to his wife’s request, and will be retiring from Yad Sarah in November. However, he plans to continue the Yad Sarah tradition of volunteering on a part-time basis. Once someone gets involved with Yad Sarah, it becomes difficult to leave.

Although Mr. Handelsman will be leaving his post, Yad Sarah hopes to expand its international operations. Dr. Inon Schenker recently joined the staff of international operations to address the problem of funding the growing number of requests being received. More information about Yad Sarah’s international activities can be obtained by contacting Mr. Handelsman by telephone at 972-2-644-4660 or by e-mail at meirh@yadsarah.org.il.

Arts and Crafts group at Yad Sarah provides crucial social and emotional support

Press Release, Yad Sarah, February 8, 2009

(Jerusalem, Israel) For some, it happened in a moment. For others, it progressed over a period of years. All were once active and productive citizens. Today, their deficits in motor and language skills interfere with their ability to function in society. So they all come to Yad Sarah several times per week for a comprehensive, holistic approach to rehabilitation therapy. Besides the standard clinical services such as occupational, physical, and speech therapy, there are additional programs to provide the crucial social and emotional supports. An integral part of this program is the Arts and Crafts workshop. Every Monday morning the participants get three hours of recreation, therapy, and socialization. But that’s not all they get. “Coming to Yad Sarah gives them joy and purpose in life,” says Devorah Zwick, a volunteer at the program.

The group consists of about 15 women with varying degrees of neurological disabilities, brought on by strokes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or various other disorders. They all have difficulties with fine motor and communication skills. According to speech pathologist Elana Kravitz, who was trained in New York and immigrated to Israel, “Their weaknesses in communication skills may vary from mild difficulties with verbal recall and verbal synthesis to more severe dysarthrias, apraxias, and aphasias.” That is, many have difficulty, producing coherent and intelligible speech, though their cognitive skills are usually age appropriate. Though the women are also receiving clinical services from occupational and speech therapists, the arts and crafts program provides them with additional opportunities to improve visual motor coordination and fine motor skills in a recreational and social setting. The latter also provides significant emotional support and mental health benefits. According to Irit Nahaloni, Director of the Day Rehabilitation Center, “Their participation in community activities is important. Instead of staying home with minimal socialization, the women have become part of an active community. Their ability to produce something that is creative and useful improves their feelings of self-worth. Their participation in community activities helps them realize that they can still be productive and their social life isn’t over yet.”

The instructor for the class is Beverly Marcus, a retired art teacher who immigrated to Israel three years ago from New Jersey. Beverly took a tour of the Yad Sarah facilities and was impressed by the myriad of services provided to the community. At the time, Irit was looking for an experienced art teacher who might be able to provide long term service. It was a match made in Heaven. “I’m very proud to be a part of this community of volunteers that contributes so much to Israeli society. There is immense gratification from the appreciation and progress demonstrated by the participants in the group,” noted Beverly.

Another instructor in the class is Louzia Krishevsky, a young woman who is fulfilling her requirements for national civil service. Louzia noted that there is an emphasis on producing attractive and useful items that can be used in the home or given as gifts to children and grandchildren. These may include items such as trivets, picture frames, embroidery, note holders, and serving trays. “Seeing their creative work put to practical use, helps to promote their self-esteem because they realize that they can still be productive and appreciated,” Louzia observed. Irit, who has been involved with the program since its inception over 15 years ago, added that that some of the future products may be sold in the Yad Sarah gift shop so to give the participants an increased sense of gratification by contributing to Yad Sarah as well. Irit aslos observed that, “The social networks and friendships that the participants have established also provides further encouragement to get out of the home and into social environments that provide even more opportunities to improve their communication, motor skills, and emotional well-being.” Yad Sarah assists in these endeavors as well by providing transportation and mobility services to those that need them.

Devorah Zwick, a volunteer who divides her time between New York and Jerusalem, explained how the projects are completed, “They usually work on two projects in each session because it may take time for glue or paint to dry. Each project can be completed in one or two sessions. The projects use common materials and don’t require sophisticated skills. We provide them with guidance and assistance, according to their individual needs, but we don‘t do the project for them, they do it themselves.” Devorah, who has a background in commercial art and jewelry design, emphasized that she enjoys volunteering in the program because it also provides her with self-satisfaction, “These women really appreciate what we’re doing for them and are grateful for the interactions. They appreciate the patience and understanding that we extend to them, that they may not get elsewhere. I enjoy interacting with them as well. Since their cognitive abilities are basically intact, they’re eager to tell their stories, and I enjoy listening to them. Despite their disabilities, they have a lot to offer. We all benefit, it’s fun and stimulating.” Irit added, “This program has been active for a long time. The longevity of the program, the devotion of the numerous volunteers that have been involved, and the persistence of the participants, attests to its success. We’re very proud of it.” Though the participants may not be able to speak well, the expression on their faces is enough to show that they agree.

Music Program for the Blind Provides Inspiration and Gratification

Yad Sarah volunteers bring hope to others and inspiration to themselves

 Press Release, Yad Sarah, February 2, 2009

View video on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rObUl4KGXA

(Jerusalem, Israel – February 2, 2009) Take three young music students from Israel’s famed High School for Arts and Sciences. Combine them with seven elderly blind persons. Add one dedicated volunteer van driver. Warm gently, and you get a beautiful harmony that stimulates the senses and stirs the emotions. For Michal Drori, the modest young woman at Yad Sarah who created this recipe, it’s just another one of the many projects that she is involved with.

For the past six months, Michal Drori, a student of music therapy, has served as the music coordinator for the Department of Home and Community Services at Yad Sarah. One day she received a surprise phone call from her counterpart at the very selective High School of Arts and Sciences. Could Yad Sarah use volunteer musicians who want to perform community service? Michal grabbed the opportunity and got right to work. She thought of Esther, an elderly blind woman who was once a teacher of the blind, loves music, and has a piano in her home. But why stop there? Michal searched the Yad Sarah files and found a small social network of blind persons who enjoy music. A phone call to Esther, and yes, she would be happy to host the group in her home. All that was left was to find a driver who could bring the group together. Someone mentioned Meir Keller. Without hesitation, he volunteered for the job.

Meir Keller is an angel from Heaven on a mission. Every Tuesday afternoon, he drives to Yad Sarah after his regular work hours to pick up one of Yad Sarah’s customized vans. He then drives around Jerusalem during the crowded rush hour to pick up six elderly, blind individuals. When King David established the city of Jerusalem over 3000 years ago, handicap access wasn’t taken into consideration. Jerusalem is a city of hills, steps, and narrow, winding walkways. It is difficult to navigate for even the most experienced blind persons. So Meir has to compensate. For each individual that he picks up, he has to park the van, and patiently guide the person up and down the stairs, over the uneven pavement, and into the van.

Finally, we get to Esther’s house. The three young musicians are waiting for us: a pianist, a guitarist, and a vocalist. They’re equipped with their music sheets and lyrics. Meir arranges the chairs and distributes the refreshments. The musicians ask for requests. Knowing that musical tastes vary, they come prepared with a little of the old, a little of the new, and some classical selections. It starts with a bit of chatter which soon breaks into a kumsitz, with music, singing, and clapping. A little while later, Esther’s daughter, a member of a choral group, arrives and joins with the vocalist. Each musical selection is introduced to the group. There is a lively discussion about the musical selections, the artists, and the composers. This is a group that knows their music. Though the level of participation varies, no one seems bored. It is a lively, joyous environment.

Over an hour later, the musicians begin to pack their materials. But the evening isn’t over yet. Curious about the musicians and the visiting reporter who is busy taking pictures, a lively discussion follows. Where do you come from? What brings you here? Relationships are developed and strengthened.

At the end of the evening, everyone has benefited. Seven blind individuals, who would have sat home alone listening to the radio, enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and live music. Esther’s daughter observed her mother laughing, singing, and talking. The three young, gifted musicians developed a greater appreciation for the special talents that God gave them and were eager to put them to good use. Meir Keller returned home with the gratification that he achieved his commitment to community service that is a hallmark of Jewish values. And one volunteer reporter from New York experienced the altruism and inner strengths of Israelis that has enabled them to survive and prosper under the most challenging circumstances.

Source: Yad Sarah

Yad Sarah staff and volunteers struggle to reestablish normal routines

Press Release, Yad Sarah, January 21, 2009

It became a common occurrence. You hear the Red Alert warning siren announcing that a rocket has just been fired. You have fifteen seconds to run and seek shelter in a safer environment. If you can do that, then you’re one of the lucky ones. But what if you can’t? What if you’re too ill, or too old, or too young, or recuperating from surgery, or confined to a wheelchair, or injured? Then the routines of daily living that have been merely obstacles or challenges in the past have now become threatening, impossible, and intolerable. So what do you do? You call Yad Sarah. If you are unable to use a telephone, then you press the button on your emergency alarm system.

Yad Sarah is one of Israel’s largest non-profit social service agencies. Its primary focus is to provide mobility services and assistance with activities of daily living. So if it has become a challenge to move around the house, maintain personal hygiene and nutrition, or even to just go to sleep, then you call Yad Sarah. Their extensive network of service centers staffed mainly by dedicated volunteers, provides an assortment of assistive devices and supportive services. Those that need a customized wheelchair, or just a special pillow, or perhaps only a little experienced advice, are frequent callers to Yad Sarah. If they are unable to manipulate a telephone, then they can get an emergency communication system. A press of a button reaches a trained operator at the Jerusalem control center.

Ahuva Nyman opted to do national civil service in lieu of the required military service. It wasn’t an easy way out. Ahuva was assigned to the emergency communication system at Yad Sarah’s main building in Jerusalem. At a young age, Ahuva was trained to be part emergency medical technician, part social worker, and part psychologist, all rolled into one. The emergency control center is staffed 24/7 to service the needs of the 18,000 clients who have been equipped with the specialized communication system. A press of a button on a wireless device worn by the client, activates a two-way audio system. Ahuva is fluent in both Hebrew and English. When she receives a signal, her communication with the client, or lack of communication, will determine whether she should call an ambulance, a local service center, or just lend an ear for some friendly advice or support. During the Gaza war, when the rockets kept falling, the calls were almost incessant. “People didn’t want to go out, they were scared, they didn’t know what to do,” observed Ahuva. Often Ahuva and the other operators had to call Kulanu B’yachad, an umbrella group of over 40 organizations that helped provide transportation, shelter, food, volunteer escorts, hygienic needs, and other supportive services. When the operators weren’t answering calls, they initiated calls to the clients to ensure that they were safe and reasonably comfortable. Ahuva is glad that a cease-fire is in effect. “Operations are getting back to the usual,” she noted.

When Shlomit Schweitzer was asked where she works, she responded, “All over.” Where is your office located? “In my car.” Shlomit is a social worker for the southern region of Yad Sarah, which includes the entire area from Rechovot to Eilat. During the war, Shlomit was part of a network of staff and volunteers that visited residents with special needs, provided transportation services, mobility services, medical equipment, food, and hygienic needs. About 70 people required specialized transportation services to get to a safer environment. About 100 extra emergency alarm units were distributed without cost to the clients. Volunteers visited homes and shelters regularly to determine the needs. This was all accomplished by a total staff of about 30 people. So the workload, the time devoted, and the stress, were enormous. “It’s not finished yet,” lamented Shlomit, “people are still afraid to go back, they don’t believe that it’s over.” Shlomit and the rest of the staff are still busy transporting southern residents back to their homes and getting them the medical equipment and assistive devices that they need.

One of Shlomit’s contacts at the Yad Sarah’s main building in Jerusalem is Shani Rosenfeld. An occupational therapist who immigrated from the United States, Shani is one of the directors of Yad Sarah’s Exhibition and Guidance Center which advises clients on the use of over 250 types of equipment that Yad Sarah either provides or obtains when needed. During the war, she received calls from all around the country from people concerned about their family and friends living in the South. Often she had to provide duplicate equipment for those that were temporarily located to a safer environment with family or friends. For those that had to go to the cramped and deficient shelters, Shani had to arrange for special hygienic or nutritional needs. Sometimes she just had to provide sleeping or comfort aids to those having difficulty adjusting to life in the cramped shelters or coping with incontinence. Shani is still busy helping people return to their homes and adapting to a different environment. She tries to ease their discomforts and help them adjust gradually. She has to provide assurances to clients, family, and friends that readjustments take time so they don’t feel anxious and guilty if the adjustments aren’t immediate.

Needless to say, the Gaza war has put a strain on Yad Sarah’s budget and facilities. Already financially burdened by the costs of expanding and renovating the main building in Jerusalem, Yad Sarah had the additional burden of providing specialized transportation, duplicate equipment, novel equipment for shelters, and replacement equipment. But the staff of Yad Sarah seems undaunted by the upcoming challenges. After all, meeting and coping with challenges is what they are all about.

Press Release, Yad Sarah, January 14, 2009

(Jerusalem, Israel- January 14, 2009) Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza three weeks ago, the international media has been emphasizing the humanitarian challenges that have been developing in Gaza, but little is known about the needs of the million residents of southern Israel who have been under constant attack from the rocket barrages emanating from Gaza. As a result, there are widespread international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the Arab residents in Gaza who are innocent victims of the conflict, but none for the innocent victims in Israel. Receiving little assistance from international relief organizations, Israelis realized that they must fend for themselves and band together to provide assistance for the beleaguered citizens of the South. Within days following the onset of the conflict, over 40 Israeli organizations united to form an umbrella group called All Together Now, to integrate humanitarian services for the civilian victims in southern Israel.

All Together Now, or Kulanu B’Yachad in Hebrew, is located in Jerusalem in offices provided by Yad Sarah, a large non-profit social service organization serving all of Israel. It is staffed for 18 hours per day, by about 25 dedicated volunteers. The center is closed Friday evening and Saturday for religious observance. The three coordinators, Avital Sela, Ashira Landau, and Naama Cohen are there for most of the time. Ms. Landau noted that most of the volunteers are young women who are doing their required national civil service but they are putting in time at the center in addition to their required time for national service. Students and senior citizens are also volunteering. When asked how many hours she puts in, Landau responded, “I’m here everyday from 7 am to 1 am, except Saturday”

All Together Now provides assistance in five general categories: housing, transportation, food, household items, and recreational activities for children. The volunteers receive calls from people needing assistance and people offering assistance. The coordinators collect the phone messages and then meet to match the providers with the recipients. If a needed service has not been offered then the coordinators will call suitable providers to obtain the needed services. In addition, almost 2000 volunteers have been sent to southern towns to assist with shelters that house about 30 people each, mostly children.

The office receives about 1000 calls per day, all from within Israel. The calls come primarily from the seven towns that are receiving the brunt of the rocket barrage, and the numerous Israeli citizens, businesses, and organizations that are eager to provide assistance. Routine life in the southern towns has ceased to exist. Children are unable to go to school while their parents are unable to work. Comfortable homes have been abandoned for the safety of cramped, concrete shelters. On one day last week, there were 400 calls from people willing to provide housing for the southern residents and 500 calls involving assistance for children living in shelters or requiring escorts. The remaining calls involved basic household needs, recreational activities for children, and transportation services.

Several days ago, Rabbi Michael Aronov, director of a Hesder yeshiva, called that he can put up some families this weekend because the students will be going home. The same day, a refugee from Gush Katif, whose family is still living in a temporary trailer, called that the Bar Mitzvah for his son was cancelled this week because of the incessant barrage of rockets. Landau immediately called Aronov who said that he could house 13 families and provide a synagogue and catering facility for 80 people. This was exactly what was needed. Landau observed that, “Miracles like this happen everyday.”

A small hotel in Eilat provided free rooms for a family of five that included two children with cerebral palsy, and charged only about $35 per day to feed the entire family. An assisted living center provided a room for a person with a disability who required handicap access. In one day, six tons of fruit were donated by a distributor in Nahariya and a full truckload of sanitary supplies were donated by a large manufacturer. Recreational activities were provided for over 100 children and free admissions to museums were offered. Financial assistance was also provided for many who needed it.

Landau emphasized that much more still needs to be done. There is still a dire need for financial assistance, housing, food, materials, and volunteers. Those wishing to donate their time, money, services, or materials should call the center in Jerusalem at 02-644-4828. Additional information can be obtained by calling Community Relations at Yad Sarah, 02-644-4429. Callers from outside of Israel should use the appropriate prefixes. Donations can be made easily and quickly by phone directly to an account at Bank Hapoalim.

At a recent inspirational lecture given for the southern refugees, Rabbi Yigal Kaminetsky observed that the Hebrew words for “war” and “alloy” are similar. In times of war, Israelis have shown that they can forget their differences and meld together for a common cause. Landau noted that All Together Now is an excellent example of Israeli unity and hopes that it will “continue to unite the country and serve as a model for future endeavors in peacetime.”

Source: Yad Sarah Community Relations