Doctors Shocked by Living Conditions of Holocaust Survivors During Home Visits

A program organized by the "Lema'anem" association is bringing top medical specialists directly to the homes of Holocaust survivors across Israel, aiming to address the often-overlooked needs of this vulnerable population. The initiative, which partners with hospitals, allows physicians to conduct house calls, providing professional medical care in the survivors' own environments.

Professor Gideon Bachar, head of Ear, Nose, and Throat surgery at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, described the challenges of balancing demanding hospital schedules with volunteer work. He noted that his team often dedicates their limited free time to the "Lema'anem" program, driven by a deep sense of duty. "It is our obligation as Israelis, and above all as doctors," Bachar stated.

During these home visits, medical professionals gain a profound understanding of the survivors' daily realities, which often extend beyond their immediate medical conditions. "There are homes I enter and I am horrified by the conditions in which 90 and 100-year-old people are living," Bachar said, citing instances of poor living conditions and hygiene. He emphasized that these encounters reveal the deeper struggles faced by survivors and underscore the importance of bringing care directly to them.

The "Lema'anem" association operates year-round, offering free professional medical services to Holocaust survivors with the support of the Claims Conference and the Daniella Foundation. Their network includes over 2,000 doctors, professionals, and volunteers. The association provides services such as expert house calls, operates a mobile clinic, assists with appointment scheduling, and offers additional treatments for survivors who find it difficult to access the healthcare system. The program's success hinges on a flexible model designed to accommodate the busy schedules of hospital staff and avoid overburdening the already strained healthcare system.