Since the fateful morning of October 7th, when Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel, the nation has been gripped by the deadliest conflict it has seen in decades.
As the Israeli military mobilizes and citizens brace for continued strife, the country's elderly—many of whom were already living in isolation—find themselves more alone than ever. For this vulnerable group, the war has intensified an already profound loneliness, leaving them at the mercy of not just external threats, but also the inner demons of despair and neglect.
In normal times, the plight of Israel’s elderly is often overlooked. The country, known for its dynamic high-tech industry and youthful energy, has a population where over 1 million people are over the age of retirement. A significant portion of this demographic lives alone, and for many, social interactions were sparse even before the conflict. The war has only deepened this isolation, as younger relatives are called to serve, and the daily rhythms of life are disrupted by sirens and uncertainty.
A CONFLICT COMPOUNDING ISOLATION