Hesed Activities Breathe New Life into Troubled Young Man

Igor was born in 1947 in Tashkent to a very poor family. His father was shoemaker and mother washed other people's clothing to help make ends meet. Growing up in such poverty, he was ridiculed and excluded from street games by his neighborhood peers, which continued to impact Igor throughout his life. Traumatized at a young age by others' cruelty, his emotional development was stunted. But his parents did not have time to concern themselves with his morale, as they were occupied with the more pressing issue of how to feed and clothe their family.

Despite these difficulties and his poor academic performance, Igor persisted and went on to earn a secondary degree at the Technical Training College. The Army rejected him on the basis of his poor health, which enabled him to continue his studies. During his schooling, he met a beautiful young woman whom he dated. Tragically, during their courtship, the young woman died, leaving Igor distraught.

Upon completion of his studies, Igor worked in construction as a shift man. After his father’s death, Igor took over his work as a shoemaker. Slowly signs of his mental illness crept in, forcing Igor to give up the business. His mother died soon thereafter, and he remained completely alone.

Having never married, Igor continues to live on his own. Some years ago, he was without friends, family, and a disability pension. Since becoming a client of the JDC-sponsored Hesed social welfare center in Tashkent, his day-to-day existence has been entirely altered. The Hesed has helped Igor acquire the necessary authorization to receive disability pension due to his poor mental health. He also receives myriad other services, including hot lunches in the canteen; holiday food packages; medicines; clothing from the "winter relief" program; and utility subsidies from JDC's SOS emergency assistance program.

For Igor, 57, the companionship provided by Hesed is as important as the food and other vital help. He has become an active participant in the Club and Day Center cultural events. "Without Hesed I could not survive," Igor admits. "Here is my home, my friends and the people who take care of me. Big thanks to all of you!"