A plan that will enable retired American Jews to spend their “golden years” in pleasant surroundings in Israel has been brought to the United States by Zev Winer, director of Mishan, the mutual aid fund of Histadrut. Based on the principle that men and women in the over-65 age group still have the capacity to live meaningful lives, the Mishan program already covers 300 veteran Israelis. It is being expanded to accommodate about 800 elderly men and women by the end of 1958.
Situated in Jerusalem, Haifa and Holon, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Mishan’s three existing Homes of the Elders are model communities where senior citizens live in dignity amid modern physical and psychological surroundings, at a pace suited to their status. Among the residents are some of the foremost pioneers of Israel, who have given their prime years to the development of the country.
A handful of retired Americans already dwell in these homes, and places will be available to new applicants. It has been found that an American can live quite comfortably on his social security income, after payment of the modest entrance fee of $1,000, or $2,000 if accompanied by his wife.
The communities are run in two different styles. The Jerusalem set-up is more individualistic, with housekeeping units for single persons or couples available at $30 per month per person. In the cooperative style, such as at Holon or Haifa, five meals are provided daily, as well as laundry service and other amenities, at a fee of $75 monthly.
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