FSU Hatomechet Home Hospice Support Program
The program, the first ofits kind in Israel geared to this population, has been launched with the supportand guidance of Russian community leaders and will train Russian speakers in thespiritual and emotional support of those facing illness. The program isbased on the successful LDT Hatomechet program in collaboration with Beit Natanin Jerusalem, Haifa, Zichron Yaakov, Pardes Hanna and Ashdod. Currently, closeto 100 volunteers provide emotional and spiritual support to patients andfamilies who would otherwise face this frightening part of life --virtuallyalone.
"Liyubuv Dushi" (Love of the Soul) will be directed by EleonoraMitnitsky, a leader in the FSU community who has extensive experience in Jewishcommunity service and the development of Jewish identity programs. "The factthat many members of the FSU community lack local family networks, are oftenalienated from the social support system and are increasing with age presents acritical public health challenge," states Dvora Corn. "The notion that many ofthese individuals face their final hours alone is not only sobering but createsan imperative for immediate action. We see this pilot, in the second largest FSUcommunity in Israel, as an opportunity to create a model. Adapting ourestablished end of life support program for this population, will also enable usto think toward assisting other groups such as the Ethiopian immigrants, whoalso face similar challenges.
| When | 2011 – 2012 • Ongoing |
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| Language | Russian |
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