Hilo – “His death left me alone in a sea of sadness and regret.”

“My name is Hilo, I am 74 years old, I have 3 sisters and 5 brothers, and I was the youngest… I often look back on the journey that brought me from Ethiopia to Israel 29 years ago. It was important for us to be with our close family, so we sold everything cheaply… In Ethiopia, we were a wealthy family, we had a big house and a servant at home, but in Israel, the economic situation was not as good as in Ethiopia. I have a small house and not enough money. I got married in Ethiopia at the age of 15 after seventh grade, my parents arranged the marriage for me. I gave birth to 16 children, but only 9 survived, and now I have 23 grandchildren. I arrived in Israel still young but carrying an illness from my first pregnancy. Health problems never left me, and I couldn’t learn Hebrew or work in Israel. Many times I felt like a stranger in a country that could offer so much. Two years ago, I lost my husband. We were married for 56 years. His death left me alone in a sea of sadness and regret. I felt like my world had collapsed, and I fell into a deep depression. The loneliness was unbearable, and every day I fought to find a reason to continue. It was hard. Then I discovered a club where people like me meet together. This place has become a beacon of hope during my darkest times. It’s not just a social gathering for me; it’s a refuge where I can share my feelings honestly with those who understand my pain and my past. The connections here with the group helped pull me out of depression.”

“I didn’t study, but all my children did, and they all have degrees, which makes me happy. Three are in the army, and one is a commander—just like his father. I am happy with this, and I am proud of all my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. I tell young women to study, not to marry at a young age… and to acquire a profession.”

“I don’t feel so lonely anymore, and I find comfort in the shared experiences of my new friends. The connections here with the group helped pull me out of depression.”