Ner Ya'akov
Ruth 1:16. “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” was given to her by God.
About Us
Vision
Ner Ya'akov is a non-profit organization founded in Israel to care for Holocaust survivors in every possible way. The organization operates a "Center for Holocaust Survivors", offering a warm and caring home for survivors. This center serves as a place for survivors to visit during holidays, and provides rest and recovery after illness. Additionally, the Center organizes reconciliation meetings and welcomes groups from Israel and around the world, connecting them to the past. Furthermore, Ner Ya'akov provides "Practical Help" to the last living witnesses of the Holocaust in their private homes. The organization was inspired by the commitment of German Christians who sought to bring comfort to these survivors and humbly express a desire for reconciliation following the horrific experiences of the past.
Ner Ya'akov was founded with the following goal: That it would be a candle of hope and comfort to the Holocaust survivors.
In the Memory of Yaakov Thalenberg
Yaakov Thalenberg's house in Poland
Yaakov Thalenberg
Bella Steiner, a survivor of Auschwitz, became a good friend to Inge Buhs. As their friendship grew, she shared the story of her grandfather, Yaakov Thalenberg. He was born in Poland in the late 19th century. His home was warm and loving, a place where everybody in need found a welcome reception and solace.
Tragically, Yaakov Thalenberg's life ended when he was shot at a mass grave during the Holocaust. He was dearly loved by Bella, whose the greatest comfort was to see Ner Ya'akov named to honor her grandfather. His warm-hearted home was the essence of Inge's vision for a place of comfort for Holocaust survivors.
Background
After many years working in Israel, Inge Buhs recognized the need for a home for Holocaust survivors who were alone or unable to immigrate to Israel without having a place to go. Over time, this home evolved into a 'Center for Holocaust Survivors.'
In 1983, Inge was motivated by a scripture from Ruth 1:16 to move to Israel:
"And Ruth said: '...for wherever you will go, I will go; and wherever you will lodge,
I will lodge; Your people shall be my people and your God shall be my God.'"
Since then, the God of Israel has instilled in Inge a profound love for the Jewish people.
After completing a course in Germany on senior adult care, Inge's first hands-on experience was in a nursing home in Haifa. Later, she worked at a clinic, where she became close to Bella Steiner, a precious survivor of Auschwitz.
Their friendship deepened Inge's understanding of the Holocaust and fueled her desire to actively participate in the reconciliation work between Jewish people and Christians, especially German Christians. In 1987, Inge began working with Holocaust survivors, visiting the bedsides of the infirm and dying, and entering the homes and lives of many survivors.
Following a period of study and practical experience in a hospital, Inge continued to assist Holocaust survivors in Israel with housework, cleaning, shopping, and nursing care.
She developed close relationships with these precious individuals, fulfilling her heart's desire to listen and, through very practical help, to bring true comfort to many suffering survivors. Along with two other organizations, Inge extended her outreach to survivors throughout Israel and then to those in the former Soviet Union. During three trips to Belarus and one to Ukraine, they brought aid and the Lord's love to many who had been forgotten by the world.
After many years of working in Israel, Inge saw the need for a home for Holocaust survivors.
A few committed German Christians came alongside Inge to support this vision that the holocaust survivors could live out their days in an atmosphere of love and security. The organization was founded by her and others in Israel dedicated to the same goal: that Ner Yaakov would be a candle of hope and comfort for these last living witnesses of the holocaust.
