Since the fateful morning of October 7th, when Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel, the nation has been gripped by the deadliest conflict it has seen in decades.
As the Israeli military mobilizes and citizens brace for continued strife, the country's elderly—many of whom were already living in isolation—find themselves more alone than ever. For this vulnerable group, the war has intensified an already profound loneliness, leaving them at the mercy of not just external threats, but also the inner demons of despair and neglect.
In normal times, the plight of Israel’s elderly is often overlooked. The country, known for its dynamic high-tech industry and youthful energy, has a population where over 1 million people are over the age of retirement. A significant portion of this demographic lives alone, and for many, social interactions were sparse even before the conflict. The war has only deepened this isolation, as younger relatives are called to serve, and the daily rhythms of life are disrupted by sirens and uncertainty.
A CONFLICT COMPOUNDING ISOLATION
The October 7th attacks triggered a national emergency. Families have been torn apart, with younger generations joining the ranks of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), leaving elderly parents and grandparents behind. This has exacerbated a situation where many elderly citizens, already facing mobility issues or health problems, now find themselves cut off from even the minimal social contact they once had.
Home visits from caregivers or volunteers have become less frequent, if not entirely absent, as travel restrictions and security concerns take precedence. The lockdowns and curfews, designed to protect citizens from external threats, have inadvertently created an environment where the elderly are even more isolated. The psychological toll of living in constant fear of rocket attacks, combined with the absence of human connection, has left many in a state of acute distress.
ADOPT-A-SAFTA: A BEACON OF HOPE
In the midst of this bleak landscape, Adopt-A-Safta stands out as a critical lifeline for Israel’s elderly. The nonprofit organization, which pairs young volunteers with elderly citizens, has adapted its operations to continue providing support during the war. The name "Adopt-A-Safta" (Safta means grandmother in Hebrew) encapsulates the mission: to create surrogate familial bonds that provide emotional support and companionship.
Since the war began, the organization has shifted much of its outreach to respond to this historic moment, with volunteers connecting to their adopted grandparents with a sense of urgency. Adopt-A-Safta volunteers have been making direct to home visits, delivering groceries, supplies, Shabbat meals and—perhaps most importantly—human connection.
"Many of our elderly are Holocaust Survivors," says Jay Shultz, the founder of Adopt-A-Safta. "They’ve lived through unimaginable horrors, and now, in their final years, they are facing this war alone. Our volunteers are not just a source of comfort; they are a lifeline."
THE EMOTIONAL TOLL OF WAR
The impact of the war on Israel’s elderly population is not merely physical; it is deeply emotional. The constant barrage of news about casualties and destruction, combined with the sounds of air raid sirens and explosions, has left many elderly people in a state of heightened anxiety. For those who lived through previous wars or the Holocaust, the current conflict can trigger traumatic memories, compounding their distress.
Studies have long shown that loneliness and social isolation in the elderly are linked to a host of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. In times of war, these risks are magnified. The mental health of Israel’s elderly is a growing concern, as the combination of isolation and fear creates a perfect storm for psychological suffering.
Adopt-A-Safta’s efforts are crucial in this context. The organization’s volunteers provide a sense of continuity and stability, reminding their adopted grandparents that they are not forgotten, even as the world around them seems to be falling apart. For many elderly citizens, these interactions are the only bright spot in an otherwise dark and frightening time.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the conflict drags on with no clear end in sight, the challenges facing Israel’s elderly population will only intensify. The need for organizations like Adopt-A-Safta is more urgent than ever. However, the nonprofit is stretched thin, with resources dwindling and the number of elderly in need growing.
The broader implications of the war on Israel’s social fabric are yet to be fully understood. But what is clear is that the elderly, who are often on the margins of society, are bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. The war has revealed deep fissures in how the country cares for its oldest citizens, and it is a stark reminder that the elderly must not be left behind.
In a nation where the future is often prioritized over the past, Adopt-A-Safta’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering—and caring for—those who came before. As Israel continues to navigate the turmoil of war, the silent suffering of its elderly citizens must not be ignored. Their lives, too, are a battleground, one where the fight is not against an external enemy, but against the creeping despair of loneliness and the ravages of time.
To learn more about support the vital work of Adopt-A-Safta, visit their website here: