PHOTOGRAPHED CONNECTION |PHOTO IS:RAEL

Support the 'PHOTOGRAPHED CONNECTION' project for the empowerment and alleviation of loneliness among the elderly. Roughly a third of Israel’s one million elders live alone and experience loneliness even during normal times. The Photographed Connection project creates a support network for this community, which will likely continue to feel the COVID-19 crisis and its accompanying isolation long after most of society has resumed its regular routine. Aided by volunteer instructors, thousands of elderly participants in the project will become photographers and sound their voice through the language of photography. The instructors will also assist them in using a variety of technological tools which will help them connect with their family and community. Over the past six years, thousands of teenagers and adults participated in PHOTO IS:RAEL’s social outreach activities throughout the country, photographing themselves and sounding their voice with the goal of changing the way Israeli society views its disempowered communities. Until the COVID-19 outbreak our team operated a unique and groundbreaking program for the empowerment of the elderly in retirement homes and day centers. When these closed suddenly, elderly participants were left isolated and removed from their daily routine, with limited means of maintaining an ongoing connection with their surroundings. We have heard first-hand accounts of how distressing loneliness has become, second only to concerns of health and nourishment. So what can be done? These days we’ve created dozens of online communities, directed by volunteers who have been trained for this express purpose. Through group and individual interactions, we ensure that all volunteers and participants possess the means and technological knowledge to take part in our activities. During the past few weeks, over 1,000 elderly people have joined our 60 volunteers as they train for this project. Your help will allow us to continue our activities for the next six months, offering 5,000 participants support on a variety of digital platforms. The project’s budget will cover the cost of personnel, including lecturers, professional staff and advisors on elderly support; training in online moderation for our team of instructors; and equipment for participating communities, including cameras and smartphones. Help us sound their voice. Support us now!