Helping the most vulnerable

David*, an 87-year-old Russian-speaking Holocaust Survivor, lived alone in subsidized housing. 

One night, he heard a knock on his door and saw a young woman who he recognized as a neighbor. She shoved past him into his apartment and grabbed valuables. Before she left, she shoved him again. 

David’s daughter helped him file a police report, but she was still terrified. She connected with the JUF Evelyn R. Greene Legal Services, who matched the family with Daniel Zylberberg, a volunteer attorney who represented David in court along with attorney Anneliese Thomas, where they successfully obtained an Order of Protection forbidding his neighbor from getting too close. Zylberberg also received volunteer assistance from summer associate Alisher Juzgenbayev. 

While David’s family was relieved that he had protection against future attacks, they still wanted to help him relocate closer to his family in the suburbs. Before they had a chance to start the housing application, David had a bad fall. Immediately, JUF’s volunteer attorney tapped into his network, finding a Russian-speaking colleague and a notary. Together, they rushed to David’s hospital room to execute Powers of Attorney for healthcare and property.  

Today, David is recuperating, and is safe, close to his dear family. “Life sometimes brings unexpected hardships,” David’s daughter said. “G-d sends us his people, passionate and dedicated, saviors and protectors.” 

Since going to press, David passed away. 

*Name changed to protect privacy. 

In 2025, you made it possible to— 

• Provide food assistance for 20,428 individuals, including meals. 

• Offer primary medical care, dental care, mental health treatment, access to health screenings, and prescription medications to 64,220 patients in need. 

• Provide free legal assistance to 1,161 community members. 

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“EZRA has been one of the best benefits in my life for about seven-plus years.”  

~ JUF Uptown Cafe client 

“Your programs are a window to the world for many people and really brighten our days!”  

~ Center for Russian Speakers client 

“I enjoy volunteering because it makes me feel good, and I also like making people’s days and lives better.” 

~ Annie Treewater, a Camp Tov participant and New Trier High School student