Rami’s Story – Emergency Campaign Elderly & Holocaust Survivors

From Tehran to Amigour: A Journey of Survival and Belonging

Rami fled Tehran in 1980. His escape was aided by a Muslim friend who later lost his life assisting Rami.
Like many immigrants, Rami faced challenges in Israel until finding a safe home at Amigour.
Amigour provides subsidised, sheltered housing to Israel’s vulnerable elderly with support of UIA donors.
During UIA’s recent Emergency Campaign, while Iran attacked Israel with missiles, Amigour ensured residents had food, shelter, and emotional support.

Rami talks about his life at Amigour

Rami’s Story

In 1980, Rami made Aliyah to Israel from Iran. But as he says, “The truth is, I escaped from there.”

Rami grew up in Tehran, living what he describes as a normal life. “I was just like everyone else,” he recalls. “I studied, I worked, I went out to have fun. We were one big family.”

Everything changed when a new regime came to power. “I saw there was complete chaos with all the Jews who couldn’t leave,” Rami says. During that time, a Muslim friend, who worked at a classified location in Tehran, risked his life to help Rami escape. “He said, ‘Rami, listen, I can help you. But don’t tell anyone I’m helping you, because they could kill me.’ In the end, they did kill him,” says Rami.

Finding a New Home

Arriving in Israel was not easy. After losing his job, Rami realised he was in the wrong place and needed to move out of Jerusalem where he was residing. “I couldn’t handle it there,” he says. Thankfully, he then found Amigour.

Amigour is Israel’s leading operator of public and sheltered housing facilities for vulnerable elderly, including many Holocaust survivors and immigrants who have no family or networks to rely on. Today, over 7,500 disadvantaged seniors across the country enjoy affordable housing and independent living at Amigour.

“I don’t just like Amigour. I love Amigour,” Rami says with a smile.

Part of the joy that residents like Rami gain from Amigour is not just shelter, but an enriched environment where residents feel nurtured through a variety of programs. This includes Hebrew and English language classes, exercise lessons, lectures on health and nutrition, handicrafts workshops, choral groups, computer classes, and more. Trips around Israel, visits to museums and the theatre and holiday celebrations also offer the opportunity to enrich the lives of the residents.

Dedicated on-site staff including social workers, diversional therapists and caregivers help the residents and ensure that all their needs are met.

“Amigour gives you everything. Amigour takes care of everything. They welcomed me like family,” says Rami.

Standing Strong in Times of Crisis

Even in moments of danger, Rami has never felt alone. During Operation Rising Lion, whereby Iran attacked Israel with missiles, Rami recalls, “We heard the sirens, went into the shelter, and closed the door. Everyone was there. They gave us everything we asked for. Amigour brought food. [They’re] an incredible team. I’m pleased with it.”

Thanks to Amigour, Rami now has a safe and loving community to call his own. “I’m happy with it”, he says. “I’d love to have you come over to my place in Amigour to see what I’m talking about. Until you’ve been there and seen it for yourself, you just can’t get it.”

How You Can Help

Amigour continues to be a lifeline for thousands of Israel’s vulnerable elderly and Holocaust survivors. During Operation Rising Lion, funds collected through UIA’s Emergency Campaign ensured that projects like Amigour could continue to provide food, shelter, and care for residents like Rami who have nowhere else to turn.

Your support ensures that, in times of crisis, no resident goes without a warm meal, a safe place to stay, or the comfort of knowing they are not alone.

Learn more about Amigour and donate to help Israel’s elderly and Holocaust Survivors live in dignity: