GERMAN STUDENT HUMBLED BY SERVING SURVIVORS

Hannah, a German exchange student studying at Tel Aviv University had some time to spare and decided to volunteer for six weeks at the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust survivors in Haifa. She considers it a great privilege to serve our residents.

“There is a deep sadness and feeling of faintness inside when I think about the

Holocaust, especially because Germany played such a horrific role in it. Therefore, volunteering at this Home is one of my heart’s deepest desires”, said Hannah. Hannah first heard about the Haifa Home from her grandmother, an ICEJ supporter.

“Thinking about the Second World War, I see black-and-white motion pictures in front of my eyes”, she explained. “Understanding history is difficult. What these people went through, I can only imagine. As it states in 1 Kings 8:39, only God can truly see their heart’s suffering.”

“Yet talking and laughing with the Haifa

Home residents, history becomes a name and a reality. Their love and openness towards me makes me very humble.”

“While I am here to serve these survivors, I receive so much love in return. They invite me to their homes, tell me their thoughts, and speak to me as only a grandparent can. I can see God’s compassion towards His people, and His compassion and grace towards my own life. He really knows every heart and every story, and nothing is too big or too small for Him to care about.”