Holocaust Survivors Are Running Out of Time

Today, as we observe International Holocaust Memorial Day, we pause to remember the six million who perished—and the brave few who survived.

But even among the survivors, time is running out.

A recent demographic study reveals something heartbreaking: nearly half of the world’s Holocaust survivors may pass away within the next six years. In just a decade, 70 percent may be gone. These are precious lives—witnesses of history—whose stories and souls still matter deeply.

Today, around 120,000 Holocaust survivors live in Israel. Their average age is 87, and most are women. Many are lonely, struggling with physical and emotional pain, and facing each day without knowing the hope of eternal life through the Messiah.

Tragically, 99 percent of these dear souls do not know Jesus (Yeshua). They have never heard that the One who was promised to our people—the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—loves them and gave Himself for them.

But we have not forgotten them.

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Through our ministry in Israel, Beit Sar Shalom, we are reaching out with compassion and consistency:

• visiting survivors in their homes
• assisting with food, medical needs, and daily errands
• hosting concerts, retreats, and community events to ease isolation
• and above all, lovingly sharing the good news of Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah

Because of your prayers and support, dozens of survivors have come to faith. They now live with joy, peace, and the assurance of salvation.

From Survival to Freedom in Messiah

Erika Teller was born in Bratislava, the Czech Republic, in 1931. When the war broke out, her father placed both her and her mother in a Catholic children’s orphanage to keep them safe. There were thirteen Jewish kids in hiding. Erika’s father was caught by the Nazi soldiers and tortured to reveal his family’s hiding place. He did not tell them and paid a high price; he was sent to Sachsenhausen’s concentration camp, where he was killed in 1942. After a short time, the Nazis found the hiding place and took all the children to concentration camps. Erika and her mother were sent to Theresienstadt camp. They survived the Holocaust; however, the rest of her family did not. After the war, Erika returned to Bratislava, finished university, and started working as a Russian language teacher at the same university. In 1987, she immigrated to Israel with her son. She was involved in the Association for Holocaust and Ghetto Survivors. Erika desires to let the world know and never forget what happened in the Holocaust. For the last fifteen years, she has been volunteering at Yad Vashem (The Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem). Erika is living in Jerusalem.

Our staff met Erika in 2002, as she was in the Holocaust and Ghetto survivor’s organization. Later, she started attending our Bible groups and confessed that she did believe in Jesus the Messiah. She was also a regular attendant at Bible studies and meetings for older people and was always eager to help. Our staff became very close to her. A couple of years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer, and her health condition helped her decide to get baptized. She was baptized in the Jordan River and said she felt free after coming out of the water. Erika is still good friends with our staff, and she always attends the Bible study they lead. She still has some health issues and needs your prayers.

A Home Filled with Hope

Over the years, our staff has developed a very warm, strong, and friendly relationship with a couple from Sderot. Several years ago, Larisa and Isaac opened their hearts to the Lord. They participated in our staff’s Bible study via Zoom. Larisa and Isaac are constantly looking forward to the meetings, which are very important to them! Our staff often calls and visits them and keeps in touch with their daughter and her family. Larisa sees the hand of the Almighty in everything; she rejoices and thanks God constantly.

A Family’s Heart Awakens

Our staff met Ella and Leonid recently and see positive spiritual changes in their lives. Recently, Leonid turned 102 years old. They invited some of our staff members to their anniversary. Our staff has known their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for a long time. Seeing how our ministry helps people, Ella and Leonid began actively assisting our staff and moving in the same direction. Their grandson repeatedly contacted our staff, offering his help, and bought various medical supplies for Holocaust survivors. Ella and Leonid are another couple in whose lives we see the hand of God and how He carefully turns their hearts toward His own.

From Holocaust Shadows to Messiah’s Light

Chaim was the first to open his heart to accept Jesus as his Savior. During one of the trips to Poland, he was touched by the Word of God and could not stop asking questions until he could understand the truth and find the Light! Upon returning to Israel, he attended a local congregation and got baptized. His wife supported Chaim in everything but was a bit reserved until she heard from the Holy Spirit that it was her time to get baptized, which she did. Chaim and Geula shine when they talk about their walk with God. They became good friends with our staff over the years, and as they grow older, our ministry continues helping them and doing life together.