Ephrayim N. and his wife, Miriam, made Aliyah 30 years ago from Baltimore. Like most families in Israel, the couple turned to Yad Sarah for medical equipment needs and compassionate care over the years. 

Last July, their needs changed. Elaine, Ephrayim's mother-in-law, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She came to Israel for treatment, where she underwent a major Whipple surgery, spent six weeks recovering in the hospital, and later required two hip surgeries. The road to recovery was long, and her needs were constant.

Yad Sarah was there every step of the way.

The family borrowed canes, wheelchairs, shower benches, a comfortable recliner, and bed rails to make Elaine’s recovery at home possible. 

But it was Yad Sarah's Hospitality Suites that left the deepest impression on Ephrayim. Located just a six-minute walk from Sha’arei Tzedek in Jerusalem, the rooms gave his family a place to be together for Shabbat without leaving Elaine's side.

"Being able to stay nearby for Shabbat was an extraordinary act of chessed," said Ephrayim. "Every detail of the space is clearly designed to make Shabbat as comfortable as possible for families going through medical challenges."

As someone who spent much of his career managing buildings on a campus, the thoughtful design of the Suites particularly struck Ephrayim. The small room’s efficient layout, well-placed shelves, warm wall art, hanging space, and ample storage made the room feel welcoming. The bathrooms were stocked with hotel-style amenities and a Netilat Yadayim kit. Every detail was clearly thought out, with Shabbat and togetherness in mind – plasticware, fridges for food brought from home, hot plates, candle shelves, snacks, and private seating areas. 

"My wife, my mother-in-law, and I are deeply grateful for the kindness and support that Yad Sarah provides to so many families in times of need," shared Ephrayim. "It made a real difference for us."

Elaine has since passed, but her family's experience is a testament to Yad Sarah’s compassionate care and serving the people of Israel not merely as a lending organization, but as a support system through life’s multifaceted needs.