Yes, yes… the very same one who volunteers for the police, puts on a bullet-proof vest and goes out at night to watch over us on the streets of Tel Aviv. Besides for that, she also volunteers at “Latet” and distributes food baskets to elderly Holocaust survivors. This week she also hopped over to donate blood 😉 All this in addition to her work at Bayit Cham for the past 9 or so years as a vocational coach supporting people with mental health challenges (38 people!!), whom she leads through the amazing processes of rehabilitation and meaningful integration at work ❤️
Yet with all her professional experience, she has yet to experience a joint journey like the one she is going through with Yaakov. She began coaching Yaakov only 3 months ago, with the aim of finding him another job because he and his wife are expecting a baby (and it is a high-risk pregnancy) 😍.
Yaakov, 44 years old, an intelligent and charming man, has had a difficult and complex life from age 0 (an understatement). We won’t go into detail here, but his background includes neglect and abuse, and in his adulthood, he was even taken prisoner in Chechnya, a traumatic experience in itself.
Needless to say, Yaakov does not trust anyone in the world and since the terrible October 7th massacre, he does not leave his house. All the anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms came flooding back 😞
Beyond Yaakov and his wife’s great emotional and functional struggles, they were in tremendous stress due to their difficult financial state with no possibility of going out to work. The fridge is empty, the heart is broken and the stomach is empty. What can one do?
Hila, with her huge heart and lots of resourcefulness, turned to Rotem Sol, the person in charge at Latet, who made sure that they received food baskets regularly. Until it was arranged, Rotem contacted people on her neighborhood WhatsApp chat and they agreed to cook hot meals for Yaakov and his wife. They also packed up and delivered the leftover delicious food from their children’s afternoon programs (lots of it!). Yaakov and his wife received boxes full of delicacies for about two whole weeks!
It is impossible to describe how Yaakov was moved by the care and concern of Hila, Rotem and all the good people who rallied for him. Yaakov says that no one ever cared for his basic needs and that this is the most significant thing anyone ever did for him. This may be a breakthrough in his relationship with all of humanity 🤞
This week when Hila came to visit Yaakov, they even went for a short walk outside and he told her “I trust you”. And most exciting of all – Yaakov himself started volunteering! He talks on the phone from home with elderly Holocaust survivors👏👏👏
Yaakov, you are a true hero! We wish you and your wife robust physical and mental health, are happy that the crisis has led to your growth. We believe that we will all get through this difficult time together, certainly thanks to the good people along the way like Hila, Rotem and others like them🏆
And Hila? A Woman of Valor!!
Who can find her? We have!!
Your huge heart is unmatched, your galvanizing others is heart-warming, and are awed by your drive and energy! We love and appreciate you for all you do. We’re so lucky to have you ❤️❤️❤️
