Anna Krakovich Sharing her experience with others

Anna Krakovich knows first-hand the pain of attack and the loneliness of the newcomer. Soon after she and her young daughter came to Israel from Ukraine , Anna, an English teacher, was critically wounded in a bus bombing in 1994. Burned over 70% of her body, she spent 11 painful months in hospital, many in isolation, undergoing extensive treatment and corrective surgery. Anna is still recovering. But even as she struggles to regain her health, Anna has become a key SELAH volunteer, giving to others what was given to her during her time of greatest need.

From the first moments after she was so badly hurt, SELAH volunteers were by her side, offering comfort and, what was most important to Anna, the assurance that her daughter was safe and being looked after. For a young mother on her own, with few friends or family to call on, that was probably her greatest worry.

The volunteers came again and again through Anna's long and difficult recovery. They ensured that she had essential financial and emotional support and arranged for household necessities. They lobbied government agencies on her behalf and brought her mother to Israel from Ukraine to help out. As a result, Anna was able to cope and started to rebuild her life.

Twelve years ago, as soon as she was able to get around on her own, Anna began reaching out to other immigrants in need, bereaved parents, survivors of terror attacks and other life-changing catastrophes. Knowing instinctively of their deepest fears and despair, her very presence showed them they too could survive and cope with pain and loss.

Living in northern Israel, Anna has had extensive contact with the many immigrants hurt or traumatized by the Second Lebanon War, including soldiers and their families, as well as civilians. Tirelessly, she goes to the wounded and bereaved, in hospitals and homes. They recognize her immediately and accept her message of strength and hope.