Irina, a former physician, made Aliyah to Israel 20 years ago with her daughter and grandson. Once in Israel, Irina worked very hard until she retired. Eager to remain productive, she was thrilled to find a place within Yad LaKashish at the age of 68. From 2006-2009, Irina graced the Rehabilitation workshop with her positive spirit and outgoing personality.

"This is a very important place. For an elderly person, this is life. When we come here, we don't get sick as often; we live longer. Why? Because the work gives us strength!"

Yad LaKashish sends our condolences to Irina's family.

Born in Poland, David survived the horrors of the Holocaust, and met and married his wife shortly after the war. In 1948, the couple immigrated with their baby daughter to the newly created State of Israel. Since joining the Yad LaKashish Bookbindery in 2006, David has inspired visitors, staff and fellow artisans with his sense of perseverance. At 90 years old, he wakes up at 5:30 AM each day to pray, eat and travel to Yad LaKashish on two different buses. " But when I get here, " he says, "I look around and take a deep breath, and I feel so good."

"I don't know how I could live without this organization. I only know that in the afternoon on Shabbat, I am already looking forward to coming back here at 8:30 AM on Sunday morning."