Israeli youths spread goodwill at a Jerusalem market
Dozens of young people roam a Jerusalem market every Thursday evening to help elderly people carry their grocery bags in exchange for life stories and tips on living.
Slightly stooped and out of breath, an elderly woman puts her heavy plastic bags down on the sidewalk in the Machane Yehuda Market. Sivan Shimoni, 25, a student from Jerusalem who studies communications, rushes over to help her.
“I’m a volunteer with 'The Woman with Shopping Baskets,'” she says softly while pointing to her bright yellow shirt. “Can I help you carry your [bags] to the bus or light rail?”
The woman lowers her head and goes through all her bags. “But I don’t have any money left,” she mumbles, almost whispering in a thick Eastern European accent.
“You don’t have to pay anything,” Shimoni reassures her. “I’ll be happy to carry your bags for you, and if you want, you can tell me a little story about your life while we walk, or you can give me some advice for my life.” A tired smile appears on the old woman’s furrowed face. She seems to be standing a little bit taller now.
