For many of us, the horrors of the Holocaust are a stark reminder of a chapter in history we can never forget. We remember the images, the stories of unfathomable loss, and the resilience of the Jewish people. As American Christian women who love Israel, our hearts are deeply connected to God’s chosen people. We often reflect on that dark time and wish we could have been there to offer comfort and aid to those innocent children who suffered so greatly.
While we cannot turn back the clock, we have a sacred opportunity today to bring comfort and solace to these same individuals, now in their twilight years. In Israel, tens of thousands of Holocaust survivors are facing a new set of battles, ones that we can fight alongside them through the power of prayer.
Many of these precious souls are living in poverty, facing daily struggles that reopen old wounds and create new anxieties. A recurring theme in their distress is nutritional insecurity – the constant worry about having enough to eat. This isn’t just about an empty stomach; it’s a profound trigger that affects their physical health, mental well-being, and sense of security.
Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, stands in the gap for these vulnerable heroes, rescuing nutritious surplus food and delivering it to those in need. As Christian Friends of Leket Israel, we can partner with them not only through our giving but also through our fervent prayers.
Here are seven prayer needs for Holocaust survivors in Israel, a guide for us to lift them up in their final years and be the comfort we longed to offer them as children.
1. Pray for Relief from Hunger
The gnawing emptiness of hunger is a trauma many survivors endured in their youth. Today, shockingly, many face it again. A significant number of Holocaust survivors in Israel live below the poverty line and struggle to afford nutritious food.[1][2] For some, this means making agonizing choices between buying food or life-sustaining medication.[3] The lack of proper nutrition weakens their already fragile bodies and can reawaken the illnesses they suffered from as children.[4]
Ros Dayan, a survivor, shared the shame she feels in her old age, “For the first time, I don’t have enough money for food or clothes. I used to have pride, now I am ashamed.”[2] Another survivor, Rachela Segal, spoke of forgoing chicken and fruit for weeks, a simple dignity she can no longer afford.[1]
Let us pray that the Lord will provide for their daily bread, that they will never have to choose between a meal and medicine. Pray for the work of organizations like Leket Israel, that their food rescue operations will be blessed and abundant, bringing healthy and nourishing food to every survivor in need.[5]
2. Pray for Healing of Physical Ailments
The long-term effects of starvation and trauma during the Holocaust have had a lasting impact on the physical health of survivors. Many suffer from chronic illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and osteoporosis at higher rates than the general population.[6][7] The malnutrition they endured as children has had lifelong consequences, making their elderly years even more challenging.[8]
Eliyahu Geller, a survivor of the Transnistria Ghetto, uses his limited funds to pay for medications not covered by state health insurance for his neurological, heart, and eye problems.[1]
Let us pray for strength and healing for their bodies. Pray that they will have access to the medical care and medications they need. Ask for a supernatural touch of God’s healing power to bring them comfort and ease their physical suffering.
3. Pray for Peace from Mental and Emotional Trauma
The psychological scars of the Holocaust run deep. The constant hunger, fear, and loss have left many survivors with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression.[9] The current struggles with food insecurity can be a powerful trigger, bringing back the terrifying memories of starvation in the camps and ghettos.[10]
Esti, a survivor who now receives meals from Leket Israel, shared, “Everyone who was hungry like me, who reached the point when they were no more than skin and bones cannot stand watching food being thrown away. It takes me back to that place.”[10]
Let us pray for their mental and emotional healing. Pray that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds.[11] Ask that the traumatic memories will be replaced with a sense of security and God’s unwavering love.
4. Pray for an End to Loneliness and Isolation
For many survivors, the golden years are not filled with the joy of family, but with profound loneliness. Many lost their entire families in the Holocaust and now live alone.[12] Physical limitations can make it difficult to leave their homes, leading to even greater isolation.[13] A staggering 40 percent of survivors deal with crushing loneliness.[12]
The simple act of sharing a meal can be a powerful antidote to this isolation. Leket Israel provides food to soup kitchens and senior homes where survivors can gather and eat together, fostering a sense of community.[5] One survivor, Miriam, shared the joy of this, saying, “We sit together to eat, truly a homey feeling.”[4]
Let us pray for meaningful companionship for every survivor. Pray for volunteers and caregivers to come alongside them, offering not just practical help but also friendship and a listening ear.[12] Pray that they will feel seen, valued, and cherished in their final years.
5. Pray for a Sense of Dignity and Worth
Poverty and the need to rely on others can strip away a person’s sense of dignity. For those who have endured so much and rebuilt their lives, it can be deeply painful to face such struggles in their old age. The ability to have enough food, to not be a burden, is a fundamental aspect of living with dignity.
Let us pray that every survivor will feel a profound sense of dignity and worth. Pray that as they receive assistance, it will be given with honor and respect. Ask that they will know they are not forgotten and that their lives have immense value.
6. Pray for the Strengthening of Their Faith and Hope
The horrors of the Holocaust tested the faith of many. Yet, countless survivors held onto their belief in God. In their final years, as they face new challenges, their faith can be a powerful source of strength and hope.
Let us pray for the strengthening of their faith. Pray that they will feel God’s presence near them, sustaining them through their difficulties.[11] Pray that they will be filled with hope for the future, both in this life and the next.
7. Pray for a Blessing Upon Those Who Help
The Bible tells us in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you.” As Christians who believe in God’s covenant with Israel, we have a beautiful opportunity to be a blessing to these survivors. Leket Israel and its Christian Friends are doing vital work, and they need our prayerful support.
Let us pray for a special blessing upon the staff and volunteers of Leket Israel and all who work to support Holocaust survivors. Pray for their strength, resources, and protection as they carry out this important mission. Pray that their efforts will be multiplied and that they will be a shining light of God’s love to these precious people.
As we lift up these seven prayer needs, we are doing more than just speaking words. We are engaging in a spiritual battle on behalf of these beloved survivors. We are bringing them comfort, hope, and a tangible expression of God’s love. Though we could not be there for them as children, we can be a powerful force of prayer for them now. Let us be faithful in this sacred calling.