&On January 16 a member of Almaty Jewish community, Alexander Yakovlevich Goldbaum, turned 100 years old. Alexander Goldbaum was congratulated on his birthday by Hesed Director Inessa Chugainova and Director of Home Care Program Valentina Sokolkova. The guests were pleasantly surprised to see Alexander Yakovlevich opening the door and meeting the guests by himself!

For many years, Alexander Goldbaum had been working as a Chief Engineer at Balkhash Copper Melting Factory. On the remarkable day, his colleagues did not forget to congratulate the veteran on his 100-year birthday. Friends and relatives called from Russia, the U.S., and Israel. Journalists from Vecherka Newspaper came to take an interview. Alexander Yakovlevich, dressed in a formal suite with medals, was saying complements to ladies, "You look good, Valentina Vasilyevna. You have not changed a bit."

Currently, Alexandr Yakovlevich lives alone but Hesed Polina provides its care and attention to him. Home Care Program specialists cook meals, while David Sirota walks with the veteran for a walk twice a week. Alexandr Yakovlevich lives on the third floor. He walks by using a walking-stick provided by the Rehabilitation Equipment Program. Live to 100-year birthday is remarkable. Unfortunately, old age brings more difficulties and it is easier to overcome them with Hesed Polina.

We wish you good health and lots of energy, Alexandr Yakovlevich!

Lyudmila Starodubova