Full Breakdown
Support for Holocaust Survivors During Passover Amid Ongoing Conflict
3/26/2026, 4:36:56 PM
Current Challenges for Holocaust Survivors in Israel
As Passover approaches, Holocaust survivors in Israel face heightened challenges due to ongoing conflict and security threats. With sirens sounding frequently, many elderly individuals, particularly those living alone, have become increasingly fearful and isolated. Mendi Blau, director of operations for Colel Chabad, noted that the support systems many survivors relied on have collapsed, leaving them struggling to access basic necessities. Colel Chabad, which serves nearly 30,000 Holocaust survivors living below the poverty line, has mobilized to provide food and companionship during this critical time.
Humanitarian Efforts and Community Support
In response to the urgent needs of these survivors, Colel Chabad has initiated a program called "Pack a Seder," which aims to deliver complete Seder meals to those in need. Approximately 2,000 volunteers are actively delivering food packages while also checking in on the well-being of the recipients. The organization emphasizes the importance of human connection, with volunteers providing not just food but also companionship to combat loneliness. Blau remarked on the significance of their presence, stating, “Just the smile on people's faces... the fact that you thought to come... brings light.”
Safety Measures for Passover Celebrations
In light of the ongoing conflict, Colel Chabad has collaborated with local governments to convert safe spaces into shelters for the elderly during the holiday. This initiative is crucial as many survivors are unable to celebrate Passover in the traditional manner due to safety concerns. The organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable populations is evident in their proactive outreach and established partnerships with the Israeli Welfare and Social Affairs Ministry.
International Solidarity from Hungarian Jewry
In Hungary, approximately 6,500 Jewish families are receiving hand-baked matzah through a distribution initiative led by Chabad emissaries. This year’s distribution includes a special prayer initiative, where Jews across Hungary are encouraged to recite a chapter of Psalms for the well-being of their counterparts in Israel facing existential threats. Rabbi Shlomo Köves, the Chief Rabbi of Hungary, has framed this effort as a means to connect with and support the Jewish community in Israel during these challenging times.
Broader Implications and Community Connections
The initiatives undertaken by both Colel Chabad in Israel and Chabad emissaries in Hungary highlight a significant effort to strengthen the bonds between Jewish communities worldwide. Rabbi Shmuel Glitzenstein, director of the Chabad House in Budapest, expressed confidence that the prayers recited during Seder night would have a meaningful impact. This solidarity underscores the shared struggles and resilience of Jewish communities in the face of adversity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “People are scared to leave their homes,” — Mendi Blau, Director of Operations, Colel Chabad
- “The biggest issue is loneliness,” — Mendi Blau, Director of Operations, Colel Chabad
- “We are confident that this initiative will strengthen the bond between Hungarian Jewry and the Jews of the Land of Israel, and we are convinced that the prayers recited on Seder night will pierce the heavens and have a powerful impact above.” — Rabbi Shmuel Glitzenstein, Director of Chabad House in Budapest
These efforts reflect a collective commitment to ensuring that Holocaust survivors and Jewish communities remain connected and supported during a time of crisis.
