Saint Vincent-Ein Kerem

“Saint Vincent… such a peaceful name for a place that echoes with so much life”, you might think. And you’d be right. Saint Vincent-Ein Kerem, here in the heart of Jerusalem, isn’t your typical landmark. It’s a haven, a home for children with severe mental and physical disabilities. Founded in 1954 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, this place thrives on compassion and dedication. Imagine, 59 children and youths, many of whom are Arab, finding a loving home here. The staff, a mix of dedicated nuns, social workers, caregivers, and a tireless 24/7 nurse, pour their hearts into each resident. Their work is tough, often heartbreaking, but these individuals embody the spirit of Saint Vincent-Ein Kerem. The state funding barely covers the basics, but something extraordinary happens here. Volunteers, some as young as 18 and others in their 70s, flock from all over the globe to lend a hand. They are the backbone of Saint Vincent-Ein Kerem, their youthful energy a beacon of hope. These volunteers often arrive with preconceived notions, only to find themselves forever changed by the experience, infected by what’s affectionately dubbed the “Saint Vincent virus”. They return year after year, drawn back to this unique place where despair is met with unwavering love, and medical prognoses are often defied by sheer willpower and the warmth of human connection.