Washing machine for Mazalit

Mazalit moved to Israel from Ethiopia with her husband and seven children in 1984. Despite the adjustment difficulties, they managed to build a stable life for themselves here. Their children are now grown and have families of their own, and Mazalit, 87, has become a widow.

Mazalit’s children give her loving support, but they don’t have a lot of money. Recently they bought her an air conditioner and replaced her broken refrigerator. They also contribute towards the cost of her full-time aide, as Mazalit has advanced Alzheimer’s and can no longer care for herself. She also suffers from high blood pressure and depression.

Mazalit’s only source of income is her Social Security pension. After the costs of her rent, the aide and her medications, there is very little money left. Neither Mazalit nor her children has the resources to buy her a new washing machine, even though her current one has broken and cannot be fixed. A new machine would no doubt improve the family’s quality of life.