Neglected Holocaust survivor admitted to nursing home

Elderly woman whose horrid living conditions became public via Facebook receives medical care, State-funded housing; 'I hope there won't be other cases like this,' says student who helped her

Ilana Curiel|Published: 12.06.12 , 12:20

The 80-year-old Holocaust survivor whose neglect made headlines last week has been taken from her rundown apartment to a nursing home, where she will be given constant care funded by the Health Ministry.

The elderly woman was brought to the Beersheba municipal retirement facility, where she underwent medical exams and was later admitted to the facility's geriatric ward. In the ward she will be provided with medical care and physical therapy.

Related stories:

Once the woman was admitted, the facility contacted Ido Dueiv, the student who enlisted the help of his friends to clean up the woman's house, and who was the one who made sure that her story was told using social media.

"The director of the home called me and told me that she was in good hands and seemed happy," Dueiv said, adding that he and his friends were planning to visit her soon.

Dueiv recounted the events following his visit to her house, saying that while he knew help was on the way, it took a little longer than he expected: "After all the media frenzy, I thought that someone from welfare services would show up the next day; but no one did. When I talked to the welfare services, I realized that for them her case wasn’t extreme. They pretty much said 'thanks for your help, but it wasn’t necessary.' I really hope there won't be other cases like this."

Assi Bar-Gal, who was part of the group that helped Duiev clean the woman's house, noted that though the woman received much needed help, "There are so many elderly people who are alone, with no one tending to them."

Bar-Gal added that this case was testament to the fact that people are eager to help, as many offered a hand, not only in cleaning but also in donating money and groceries. She urged people to let these stories be known, as she could see that "many people want to help."