Calls of Support
How RVC Volunteers Reached Out to Elderly Residents of Israel
From June 22 to 27, volunteers of the RVC Call Center took part in a special initiative aimed at providing psychological support to Russian-speaking elderly citizens of Israel who found themselves in a difficult situation, experiencing stress and emotional tension. Over the course of six days, more than 20 volunteers made calls abroad to express care and support. A total of 1,050 people were included in the action, and contact was successfully established with 523 of them.
Given the specifics of the initiative, each volunteer underwent training in communication rules — with a strong focus on not making promises that could not be fulfilled, but simply being present, listening, and showing care. Each conversation turned out to be unique. Many seniors gratefully welcomed the volunteers’ attention, sharing their memories and worries. It became a truly special experience both for the elderly in Israel and for our volunteers. Some of them shared their impressions:
Lyudmila Prakhova, RVC Call Center volunteer
“I love Israel, its history and culture. My children and grandchildren live there, and I often visit them. When I had the chance to support elderly residents of Israel, I gladly agreed. For many, our calls were a complete surprise, and at first there was some caution and mistrust. But soon most of them opened up and eagerly engaged in conversation. They shared their concerns and challenges in these difficult times, talked about their lives. Many remembered their youth in Moldova, Chișinău, Odesa, and other places of the former Soviet Union. These memories cheered them up and distracted them from sad thoughts. I noticed that women expressed more anxiety, while men seemed more optimistic.”
Svetlana Stolbikova, RVC Call Center volunteer
“I could completely understand why some seniors were reserved — after all, our calls were unexpected. I tried not to focus on short answers or silence and just kept doing my job, marking new contacts in my list and offering them care and attention. It was nice that some sincerely thanked me for my sensitivity and kindness. It felt like we were one big family, with no borders between us.”
Kristina Krizhanovskaya, RVC Call Center volunteer
“A call from another country probably raised suspicions, so some declined or didn’t pick up. Those who did answer often expressed gratitude, even briefly saying everything was fine. One conversation stood out — an elderly woman and man happily spoke with me and wished Moldova all the best. Another woman was especially delighted because she had spent her youth in Moldova.”
Oksana Krizhanovskaya, RVC Call Center volunteer
“Some rejected the calls, worried about unknown numbers. One woman was glad to chat, but later her caregiver picked up to check who was calling. I also remember a heartfelt conversation with a man who expressed concern for Moldova. Another elderly woman even asked us to find her former husband — that’s how much she wanted to revisit her past.”
Elena Katranzhi, RVC Call Center volunteer
“This project was very meaningful to me because it allowed me to care for people from a distance. Many of those I spoke with said they were prepared for air raid alerts and had shelters, but it was still difficult — especially for the elderly who can hardly move. Even if they said they didn’t need help, they were still happy to receive attention. Each conversation was important to me personally. I was glad to offer at least some support — moral and psychological.”
The RVC volunteer initiative became a true act of solidarity and a living example that simple human connection can sometimes be just as important as material assistance. Even one short call can bring warmth, remind someone that they are not alone — and that is priceless!