Started in the bustling city of Tel Aviv, an innovative and heartwarming initiative has taken hold, connecting young Israelis with elderly Holocaust Survivors in need of companionship and support. Known as Adopt-A-Safta (www.AdoptASafta.com), the program has gained widespread attention for its impact on both the seniors and the volunteers who participate.
By: Newrael Staff
Jay Shultz, an American entrepreneur and self-described ‘Struggling Philanthropist’ President of the Am Yisrael Foundation (www.AmYisrael.com), is the founder of Adopt-A-Safta. He established the program in 2012, after witnessing the loneliness and isolation experienced by elderly Holocaust Survivors across Israel. Shultz saw an opportunity for young people to make a difference in their lives and created a platform that connects volunteers with seniors based on shared interests and personality traits.
Since then, Adopt-A-Safta has grown into a national movement, with chapters in cities across Israel. The relationships that form between the volunteers and the seniors can be profound, with some volunteers becoming like family members to their ‘sabas & saftas’, attending family events and checking in on them regularly. In addition to providing companionship, volunteers may help with grocery shopping, cleaning, or other tasks that the seniors have difficulty with.
For many of the participants, the program is a lifeline. For example, 85-year-old Lotte, a Survivor of the Riga Ghetto, lost her entire family in the Holocaust and has no living relatives. Her Adopt-A-Safta volunteer, Maya, has become like a granddaughter to her, visiting every week and bringing her small gifts and treats. Lotte says that Maya has brought her joy and a sense of belonging that she hasn't felt in a long time. “Adopt-A-Safta has brought springtime to the winter of my life’.
Adopt-A-Safta is a shining example of how simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact on people's lives. As Jay Shultz, the nonprofit’s founder, says, "Our goal is to improve the quality of life for Holocaust Survivors and to connect them to the next generation of young Jews. We believe that this intergenerational connection is essential to the future of our country." In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected and overwhelming, initiatives like Adopt-A-Safta offer a reminder of the power of human connection and compassion.
To support and or volunteer with Adopt-A-Safta, visit them online at www.AdoptASafta.com