Supporting His "Destiny" to Live in Fez

S.C. is an 83-year-old man, single, never married. He was born in Fez, as were his parents and grandparents. S.C. can trace his family roots in Fez to a time before the Spanish Inquisition. One of his grandfathers was Rabbi Haim Cohen. S.C. has four sisters living in Israel. When they decided many years ago to make aliyah, S.C. opted to stay in Fez because of his insurance business, and the fact that he enjoyed life in Fez. "Actually," he said, "it was my destiny to stay here."

Prior to 2002 S.C. suffered from acute anemia. He was living in a private home, but wasn't able to take care of himself. JDC provided funds for some very strong medical treatments of blood iron supplements. He also had lost most of his teeth, but today, again because of JDC intervention, S.C. has dentures. In all, S.C. is healthy and happy today living in the Fez Shelter for Elderly Residents, which although small - only four beds - provides care in an excellent assisted living facility. And he still walks to daily minyan at a nearby synagogue.

S.C. gets no government welfare or pension assistance. All of his living expenses are provided for, and JDC also makes available a small sum of pocket money to him.