Tel Aviv — Every morning, Leia Rosenburg, an 84-year-old Holocaust survivor, awakens to the echoing silence of her modest apartment in southern Tel Aviv. Her days are long, marked by the monotony of routine, and her interactions are few.
Despite living in a city bustling with life, she is one of the thousands of elderly people in Israel who face the profound loneliness of aging in a country that is often too busy to notice.
This is not an uncommon narrative among Israel’s elderly population. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, nearly one-quarter of Israel's elderly live alone. Many are Holocaust Survivors who lost families in the war or immigrants whose children and grandchildren now live abroad. For these individuals, isolation is more than just a physical state—it’s a debilitating emotional and mental burden.
Enter Adopt-A-Safta, a nonprofit organization that has emerged as a lifeline for lonely seniors like Leia. The organization, whose name translates to "Adopt-A-Granny" in Hebrew, pairs over 5000 young volunteers with elderly citizens, fostering intergenerational relationships that bridge the gap between the young and old. This simple yet profound connection is changing lives.
THE WEIGHT OF LONELINESS
In Israel, where the focus is often on youth and innovation, the plight of the elderly can be easily overlooked. Yet, the numbers tell a stark story. According to a 2022 report by the National Insurance Institute, approximately 180,000 elderly people in Israel are considered socially isolated, with limited contact with friends or family.
For many, this isolation leads to severe mental health issues. Dr. Sarah Dolev, a geriatric psychologist in Jerusalem, explains that loneliness in the elderly is strongly linked to depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline. "When you lose social connections, you lose a part of your identity. It’s not just about being alone—it’s about feeling irrelevant," Dolev says.
The issue is compounded for those with mobility issues or health problems that prevent them from engaging with the outside world. Without regular visitors or social interactions, their days blur into one another, leading to a sense of hopelessness that can be overwhelming.
A SAFTA’S LIFELINE
Adopt-A-Safta was founded in 2014 by Jay Shultz, a social entrepreneur who recognized the deep need for community among Israel’s elderly. What began as a small initiative has grown into a nationwide movement, with volunteers across the country.
The organization works by matching volunteers, often young professionals or university students, with elderly citizens who have been identified as isolated by social workers. These relationships are not just about providing company; they’re about building bonds that offer mutual benefits. The elderly participants, referred to as "Saftas" and "Sabas" (grandmothers and grandfathers), receive companionship and a renewed sense of purpose, while the volunteers gain wisdom and a connection to the past.
"Meeting with my volunteer every week is like having a new granddaughter," says Leia, her eyes brightening as she speaks of her visits. "We talk, we laugh, and I feel alive again."
The impact of these visits goes beyond emotional well-being. Research conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that regular social interaction can significantly improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression in the elderly. For many participants in the Adopt-A-Safta program, these visits are a critical component of their health and happiness.
THE POWER OF CONNECTION
The success of Adopt-A-Safta is a testament to the power of human connection. In a society where the elderly are often marginalized, the organization’s work highlights the importance of community and the responsibility of the younger generation to care for their elders.
Yet, the challenges remain. As Israel’s population ages, the need for such programs will only grow. According to the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services, the number of elderly people in Israel is expected to double by 2040, putting increasing pressure on social services and community organizations.
Adopt-A-Safta is striving to expand its reach, but it is heavily reliant on donations and volunteer support. For many seniors, the program is their only link to the outside world, and the difference it makes cannot be overstated.
"Our goal is to ensure that no elderly person in Israel feels forgotten," says Shultz. "We want to create a society where everyone, no matter their age, feels valued and loved."
For Leia Rosenberg and countless others like her, Adopt-A-Safta is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline, a reminder that even in the twilight of life, they are not alone.
To learn more about support the vital work of Adopt-A-Safta, visit their website here: