Discover this lively community, where locals find new purpose, form connections, and enjoy their lives to the max.
Lavish retreat for seniors
Entering the facility felt like stepping into a luxurious retreat located close to the bustling junction of Daniel Yanovski Street and Hebron Road, right before you reach the Arnona district. Upon closer inspection inside, it lived up to its initial appeal as a high-end establishment complete with banquet halls, a swimming pool, fitness center, and social spaces designed for both residents and guests. This is known as the Mediterranean Towers retirement home, housing a group of seniors from varied walks of life who find renewed vigor during what some call their “golden era.” In this Jerusalem location, individuals can embark on educational pursuits and achieve long-held aspirations that previously took a backseat due to daily responsibilities—or simply because they’re now at an age when such endeavors become feasible.
The Mediterranean Towers complex stands out within Israel’s senior living landscape; it is the country’s most extensive chain catering specifically to older adults. Here, occupants benefit from top-notch amenities and opportunities spanning numerous interests, fostering a lively yet tight-knit communal environment—all set against the backdrop of true Jerusalemites’ ambiance.
In recent times, Mediterranean Towers has pioneered an inventive and imaginative lifestyle approach encompassing social life, culture, and leisure specifically tailored for senior citizens. This initiative continually evolves in harmony with cutting-edge global and Israeli trends. At the heart of their ethos lie three key principles: leading, exploring, and engaging—values evident throughout the day-to-day experiences of the community members. Unlike earlier models centered primarily on health maintenance and physical well-being,
the elderly
The Mediterranean Towers concept immerses its inhabitants in an entirely distinct environment—a vibrant and captivating social and communal lifestyle filled with dynamic activities, educational enrichments, innovative ventures, along with community-driven efforts. This setting enables individuals to unlock their potential and achieve both grand and modest aspirations through distinctive encounters.
Residents at the Mediterranean Towers location in Jerusalem embody Israel’s societal diversity, integrating a varied population into a unified, welcoming, and all-encompassing group comprising members from various backgrounds including those who are observant, traditional, and secular.
Anglo-Saxon individuals
It’s a house where each person has room for self-expression and can lead their life based on their own perspective, all under one roof, with camaraderie and reciprocal respect.
Guided by vision: The influence of Noa Bardugo-Pasternak
Noa Bardugo-Pasternak, hailing from Jerusalem and being a mother of four children, serves as the general manager of the Mediterranean Towers located in her hometown. In addition to this role, she remains actively involved as a reservist within the IDF’s Pakal Unit where she plays a key role in developing and implementing strategies aimed at enhancing coordination among commanders, troops, and family members supporting them on the homefront. Her efforts emphasize teamwork and effective leadership because she believes these elements are crucial components of comprehensive combat preparedness.
Speaking about life inside the Mediterranean Towers, Noa reflects, “Even when someone reaches 70 years old, they often embark upon activities never before attempted.” She goes on to say, “‘Leading,’ ‘discovering oneself,’ and ‘living fully’—there are instances when individuals take up painting late in life only to realize how adept they become,” adding, “‘Others may form bands discovering musical talents previously unknown.’ This sense of discovery brings newfound purpose.”
With just 120 inhabitants residing within its walls, communal solidarity stands central; many chose residence here driven primarily by the aspiration “not to feel isolated”. According to Noa, “Residents enjoy living comfortably and luxuriously both individually and collectively through shared experiences”, highlighting proximity to spiritual sites and cultural offerings right outside their doorstep stating, “There are endless possibilities awaiting exploration”.
Although having taken charge relatively recently herself, the establishment itself boasts ten years under its belt. Amongst multiple locations across Israel including branches situated in urban centers like Bat Yam, Hod Hasharon, Savyon, and Rehovot, the Jerusalem site represents the most modestly sized outpost amongst eight total facilities nationwide. Each location adapts uniquely reflecting local environments seamlessly integrating themselves socially and organically into neighboring communities.
Beyond mere scale differences, distinct features set apart the Jerusalem division…
Jerusalem is considered the Sacred City.
People who visit this location often feel a special bond to the area, even if they aren’t particularly spiritual. The residences themselves embody a distinctively Jerusalem character; they’re designed like boutique hotels using traditional Jerusalem stones,” she explains.
Bardugo-Pasternak highlights how seamlessly integrated the facility is within its environment. “Two aspects really struck me about this place. First, the level of engagement from local people—there’s an active interest in everything going on around them: schools nearby, accommodations provided for solo service personnel, participation in neighborhood committees, representation at government levels, plus a communal bridge club open to all.”
She adds, “Another remarkable feature is the robust sense of community spirit. Volunteers abound across various domains ensuring expertise is always available when needed. Every Friday brings together neighbors for gatherings, followed regularly every Tuesday night irrespective of individual affiliations. Everyone feels included upon joining us.”
In essence, this site mirrors broader facets of Israeli society where inhabitants range widely—from non-religious backgrounds to devoutly faithful individuals—and include natives alongside immigrants hailing originally from Israel itself, England, America, or France. Thus, Bardugo-Pasternak likens it to a melting pot reminiscent of ancient agricultural settlements bringing diverse populations under one roof. Despite varying upbringings, almost universally these folks view living amidst such historical richness as akin to fulfilling personal aspirations tied deeply into their national identity. They choose permanent residency over transient stays aiming fully integrate culturally rather than merely observe passingly.”
Rekindling life, love, and identity during the golden years
Addressing the community members, there was an evident surge of happiness permeating the atmosphere in Jerusalem following a significant choice—often prompted by the loss of someone dear—that they wouldn’t have to face solitude within their homes anymore.
Yochi Luifer, who has been a widow for six and a half years, relocated recently from Haifa to this residential area. With a career background as a physiotherapist, Yochi humorously remarks about choosing accommodation close to where her professional expertise might still come handy now that she is transitioning into retirement. “This relocation required considerable thought,” she explains. “To maintain independence during later stages of life, finding a suitable location near my grandkids’ residence seemed essential.” She continues: “Initially, I decided based on logic; however, emotions quickly aligned.”
Living independently allows her ample time for volunteer commitments such as contributing edits to a physiotherapy publication. Proudly recounting past gatherings, she mentions successfully hosting thirteen guests for last year’s Passover feast.
“This establishment feels like a cooperative living space where friendships form organically among individuals coming together from various walks of life and possessing different skill sets,” states Yochi. While adhering strictly to Sabbath traditions personally, she didn’t seek out solely religious-oriented communities since here, too, sufficient respect exists towards these customs without being exclusive.
Isaac Mashali and Hanna Wuin present themselves differently than typical couples do—they both experienced spousal losses before meeting each other—and chose to make fresh starts at Mediterranean Towers. Unexpectedly, romance blossomed between them amidst these changes.
Hailing originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Hannah came over to Israel permanently back in 1966 through what initially appeared just another short-term arrangement lasting merely twelve months. Reflecting fond memories tied closely to ‘Hatikvah,’ the Israeli national anthem…
Hatikvah
‘in a manner I had never encountered before with “O, Canada,”’ she states. Living in
French Hill
Until her spouse died, living alone wasn’t beneficial for her health. Following advice from a friend, she relocated to the facility. “My new chapter started when I began exercising. There are numerous options like watching movies,” she explains. Each morning starts off cheerfully with ‘boker tov’—good morning—and there’s always some event happening around.” Most significantly, though, she discovered companionship again: “Finding a companion changed everything.”
Mashali hails from multiple generations of natives in Jerusalem. Post losing his wife, he visited this place where he noticed the swimming pool and exclaimed, “‘Here lies my future home!'”. Having been a drawing and architecture instructor previously, he soon embraced painting due to similarities between both fields.
Transitioning into artistry proved smoother than anticipated according to Mashali, showcasing his pieces proudly during tours. Engaging fully in community activities including aquatic exercises and ballroom sessions initiated through Wuin’s encouragement became second nature. “Every Saturday evening brings us together for dancing. Never did I imagine myself swaying rhythmically prior to joining them… She taught me how to step confidently across the floor,” he reminisces fondly about his newfound passion under Hanna’s guidance.
Hezzi Hananiya serves as a fitness coach specializing in senior care within the premises. Witnessing elders venturing beyond their comfort zones deeply resonates with him. His involvement often leads participants toward achieving goals far exceeding initial expectations. For instance, participating collectively in marathons demonstrates remarkable progress achieved thus far. Leading groups towards completing short-distance runs showcases dedication among members striving daily towards betterment.
Nicole Emer survived Nazi atrocities endured throughout European conflicts before relocating to Israel post-1993 following bereavement-induced solitude fears. Fluent in French initially facilitated immediate social integration upon arrival. Despite modest accommodations provided, continuous engagement opportunities enriched quality of existence considerably—”Making acquaintances fluent in my mother tongue instantly uplifted spirits profoundly”, Nicole expresses joyously recounting early friendships formed swiftly thereafter.
Designed primarily catering specifically active individuals capable managing self-reliance efficiently, housing expenses fluctuate accordingly. Residents essentially rent spaces rather purchasing outright property ownership rights entitling access encompassing extensive amenities alongside comprehensive support systems offered comprehensively herein.
As Bardugo-Pasternak states at the end, “People visit this place primarily to enjoy a genuine quality of life.”
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