This winter and spring, the elderly artisans of Yad LaKashish enjoyed a "day off" from their weekly routine to tour the archaeological site at Masada and to visit the hot springs and nature reserve at Ein Gedi.

After a ride to the top of the plateau on the cable car, the elderly toured the historic site at Masada with the aid of mulitlingual headsets and translators speaking Hebrew, Russian and Amharic. Just after the delicious lunch, the seniors headed to the shores and pools of Ein Gedi for a swim and some relaxation.

But the purpose isn't just to have fun. The annual day trip is one of a number of financial and social benefits that Yad LaKashish provides to the more than 300 disadvantaged seniors who participate in our program on a daily basis. By having a chance to take a day off to enjoy themselves and explore Israel, just like everyone else, they develop friendships, become more familiar with their surroundings, and become more integrated as respected members of Israeli society.