Hesed Makes Me Feel Needed and Loved

Bohdana was born in Rovno, Ukraine on the December 28th, 1935. A widow who has lived through substantial adversity, today Bohdana relies on interactions with friends at the Hesed welfare center to combat loneliness and feel fulfilled. "Thanks to Hesed I feel needed and loved," she says.

"On the first day of the war the bombardments began and we went to stay with our relatives who were living in the countryside. Three days later a bomb hit our house," Bohdana tells of her complicated history. "My mother, father, aunt and I left the city with only the clothes we were wearing. After moving around from place to place we finally settled in Uzbekistan in September of 1941. My parents lost most of their family to the Fascists, but in Uzbekistan we found friends who stuck with us in the grief and joy."

Bohdana tells, regrettably, of the many losses she has experienced in her lifetime. "My parents and husband died, and after working in a school for 43 years, I retired with a small pension. After my retirement and the death of my husband I felt lonely, although the occasional visits of my children did provide some company."

For the past two years, Bohdana has been visiting the Hesed. "We have very interesting meetings and talks on different themes and consultations with the doctors. The communication with interesting people makes our souls richer and I look forward to going to the Hesed," she says. "Thanks to all of the organizers of our activities. Hesed helps us to feel necessary in this life. Thanks to all of you."