Retired Israeli Doctor Dedicates Life to Holocaust Survivors

Professor Henri Trau, a retired dermatologist, has found a profound purpose in volunteering his medical expertise to Holocaust survivors. For the past three years, he has been an active member of "Lema'anem," an organization that mobilizes volunteer doctors. Supported by the "Keren Yedidut" (Friendship Foundation), Professor Trau visits survivors in their homes, providing free professional medical care. He recounts periods where he made at least one house call weekly, emphasizing the mutual importance of these visits for both himself and the survivors, whom he considers it an honor and a duty to treat.

Beyond medical examinations, Professor Trau highlights the significance of personal connection. He engages in conversations, listens to their stories, and offers empathy, often communicating in Yiddish, which deeply resonates with them. These interactions sometimes lead survivors to share personal histories, including their experiences of arriving in Israel as children after the Holocaust. Professor Trau's personal connection to this work stems from family members lost during the Holocaust, motivating him to join "Lema'anem" after seeing a call for volunteer doctors.

"Lema'anem" operates on a model of sustained commitment, with doctors providing long-term support rather than one-off assistance. The organization, in collaboration with "Keren Yedidut," aims to expand its year-round medical aid to survivors, addressing mobility and transportation challenges. This includes covering taxi fares and providing specialized transport for those with disabilities. Yael Eckstein, President of "Keren Yedidut," stated that it is their duty to ensure survivors are not alone in their old age and expressed pride in the partnership that enables home-based medical care, promising continued support for dignified and secure lives for survivors.

"Lema'anem" boasts over 2,000 volunteers nationwide, offering a range of free services including specialist house calls, mobile clinics, consultations, assistance with medical appointment wait times, and physical therapy. The organization also receives support from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) and the Danieli Foundation. Survivors can reach "Lema'anem" at *3191.