One of the first rockets fired from Gaza on the morning of October 7 came through the roof of Shoshana and Gad’s home in Ashkelon, destroying their beautiful home. Luckily, they were staying with their daughter for Yom Tov, but a few weeks later her home was also hit by a Hamas rocket and their family was evacuated from the city.
“My beautiful home was destroyed by that rocket and by rain pouring through the roof”, laments Shoshana. “Staying in Ashkelon was not an option, because every siren meant helping Gad into the shelter, and we could not find anywhere to live without stairs.”
Shoshana and Gad Chadad first moved to Ashkelon in 1963 from the city of Djerba in Tunisia. Gad was already an experienced teacher, so he was quickly hired to work in Israel’s fast-expanding school system. He rose through the ranks to run his own school and then became an inspector of schools and colleges, known and respected throughout Israel’s Southern region.
Shoshana brought up their four children and also trained to become a teacher and teacher trainer. Their family expanded when both sets of parents came to live nearby, and their home became the focal point for multiple generations. When Gad retired, he started to show signs of cognitive deterioration, and by October 2023 he needed a walker and a caregiver to help him dress and eat.
The Chadads had never considered communal living, but suddenly they needed a safe shelter where Gad would receive the extra care that he needed. They heard about Beit Tovei Ha’ir and signed up for a trial stay. Shoshana quickly realized that sheltered living offered them many advantages.
Beit Tovei Ha’ir has a Brain Care day center, offering extensive support services for people suffering with cognitive deterioration. Shoshana appreciates their expertise: “Their staff have even trained our caregiver to recognize signs of distress, and they provide cover on his days off. It’s reassuring to know that we can call the in-house nurse at any time of the day or night if we are worried about Gad’s health. They really look after us here as if we were their own parents!”
Shoshana, Gad and his carer live in a beautiful apartment within the Residence, surrounded by what’s left of their possessions. “We had to throw out all of our clothes and bedding, only managing to save a few pieces of furniture with minor shrapnel scars from the explosion. Our new apartment is big enough for us to entertain all the family – we celebrated Purim Seudah with 18 guests around our table, and I love cooking for my family!”
Together with the other residents, Shoshana has been baking Challot for families displaced by the war, saying Tehillim for the soldiers and hostages, and attending daily Shiurim. “Some of the teachers here were trained by Gad, and many friends from the South have been to visit us in Jerusalem.
Shoshana feels truly liberated to choose to stay home with Gad, or leave him with his caregiver and participate in activities such as Torah shiurim, swimming, hydrotherapy exercise and art classes. She loves to shop for groceries locally and prepares whole wheat couscous and other traditional Tunisian dishes for Gad and their friends, old and new. When she doesn’t feel like cooking, Shoshana eats in the communal dining room, where she appreciates the fresh vegetables and choice of fish and meat dishes. Her only complaint: the portions are too large!
For 60 years, Gad and Shoshana helped to build the Jewish state and its education system. Now they are enjoying their golden years in unexpected comfort. Shoshana says “None of us imagined that what happened in October was possible, but at least we have found shelter and support in this beautiful community in Jerusalem.”
