Something strange was going on in this old Jerusalem neighborhood.
First, one neighbor had a visit from Margitte* asking if she could "borrow" a slice of bread. Then, another reported that she stopped in to "borrow" a little milk…and on it went. When her neighbors happened to compare their experiences it became clear that something was wrong and that Margitte, an elderly Holocaust survivor, was probably hungry and did not have enough money to buy food.
Rather than ignore what they assumed, the neighbors went to the local social worker and reported their suspicions. Margitte was not known to social services but the social worker and some of the neighbors visited and asked her if she was hungry. With great shame, Margitte admitted that indeed, she was hungry and even acknowledged that she had gathered the scraps of old bread others left outside for the birds, just so she could have some nourishment.
A proud woman, content to pass her days painting and writing, Margitte was but a child when she was taken away with her Mother. On the train to Auschwitz, she recalled her Mother trying to think of some way to protect her from the horrors that lie ahead. And horrors there were, for Margitte was one of the children with whom the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele found such fascination.
Darla Oz shared this story with us this morning. Darla and her husband began House to House in Israel to provide food, clothing, shoes, and other help for elders including Shoah survivors who would otherwise "fall through the cracks." We know that whatever funds we commit to Darla will relieve someone’s suffering – there is never any doubt.
How could we help Margitte? What was Darla doing to make life easier for this proud woman who had already been through so much? With some careful questioning by the social worker it was learned that food and housing were Margitte’s greatest problems. The Good People Fund has agreed to cover the costs of a taxi which will take her to the supermarket each week; a monthly food stipend and help with her housing costs.
It was the least we could do.
*A pseudonym
