One Less Worry: Sealed Room Now Available for Elderly

But the protected closed environment he enjoys will be shattered if war breaks out with Iraq. His, like many institutions for the elderly, children at risk, and the disabled, lacked the "sealed room" needed to protect him from the threat of chemical attack.

"We simply did not have the budget to prepare the shelter as needed," explained the Home's director. "I do not know what we would have done without outside assistance."

In response to a call for assistance from the Israeli army, JDC, with funding from the UJC/Federation and UIA Federations Canada Israel Emergency Campaigns, helped this institution, and dozens of others, to be prepared in the eventuality of war.

"We now have an air filter mechanism," explained the Director, "and have properly sealed the shelter. Additional emergency funding even enabled us to purchase chemical toilets," he added. "Now that we are equipped, it will be slightly easier."

Hopefully, Yitzhak will continue to be spared the need to grapple with worrisome threats. But now ready for the worst, the staff of the Center can focus its energies on the needs and concerns of its residents, and not be preoccupied with the "what if" of being unprepared.