Acts of kindness often arrive quietly, without fanfare or expectation. But every so often, a simple gesture carries a weight far greater than money, and restores a little faith in humanity.
That’s exactly what happened when two plumbers in Haifa, Israel, learned that their elderly client was a Holocaust survivor.
A Routine Call With an Unexpected Turn
Simon and Salim Matari, brothers and professional plumbers, were called to the home of 95-year-old Rosa Meir to fix a serious water leak. The job was straightforward and would normally cost around $285.
“When we got there, we saw there was a large blast of water and we started fixing it,” Simon later told The Times of Israel.
As they worked, Salim struck up a conversation with Meir. What began as casual small talk quickly turned into something deeper. Meir shared that she was 95 years old, a Holocaust survivor, and the mother of a daughter.
That revelation changed everything.
“Her Life Story Touched My Heart”
“At some stage, while working, my brother Salim started to talk to Rosa about her life,” Simon explained. “She told us she’s 95, a Holocaust survivor, and that she has a daughter.”
“Her life story touched my heart,” he continued. “At that moment, I decided I won’t take a cent from her.”
The brothers finished the repair, but instead of handing over a standard invoice, they presented Meir with a handwritten bill she would never forget.
A Bill Marked ‘0 Shekels’
The invoice read:
“Holocaust survivor, may you have health until 120, from Matari Simon and Matari Salim.”
Below it, the total cost: 0 shekels.
The phrase “may you live until 120” is a traditional Jewish blessing, referencing the age at which Moses is said to have died, his life considered full and complete. For Meir, the message carried deep emotional meaning.
When asked why he refused payment, Simon’s answer was simple and direct:
“Money is important, but it’s not the most important. It’s important to be a human being.”
A Moment That Brought Tears
The gesture overwhelmed Meir.
“The brothers really surprised me,” she said. “It was so moving and uplifting, and I thanked them a lot.”
The Matari brothers didn’t stop there. They told her that if she ever needed help again, they would return, free of charge.
For Meir, who has lived through unimaginable loss and hardship, the kindness offered more than financial relief. It offered dignity, recognition, and warmth.
Why This Moment Matters
Today, it’s estimated that only about 220,000 Holocaust survivors remain worldwide, a number that continues to shrink rapidly each year. As survivors age, many face declining health, loneliness, and financial strain.
In 2013, Elihu Kover of Nazi Victim Services for Self-Help Community Services addressed the U.S. Senate, explaining the unique challenges survivors face in old age:
“Holocaust survivors are growing older and frailer… In addition to the myriad problems associated with normal aging, many survivors have numerous physical and psychological problems directly attributable to their experiences during the Holocaust.”
Stories like Rosa Meir’s aren’t just history, they are living reminders of endurance, trauma, and survival.
A Powerful Gesture in a Complicated Time
What makes this story especially powerful is its context.
Simon and Salim Matari are Arab citizens of Israel, a group that makes up about 20% of the country’s population. In recent years, tensions between Jewish and Arab communities have intensified due to political rhetoric and ongoing conflict.
Some politicians portray Arab citizens as threats, while distrust and fear have grown on both sides.
Against that backdrop, this quiet act of compassion stands out.
It’s proof that humanity often exists far beyond headlines, and that empathy doesn’t recognize borders, politics, or divisions.
The Power of a Simple Choice
This isn’t the first time a tradesperson has gone viral for waiving a bill. Similar stories, from plumbers to electricians, have surfaced around the world. But what makes this moment resonate is who it helped and why.
For Rosa Meir, it meant peace of mind. No leaks. No bills. No worry.
For everyone else, it was a reminder: kindness doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.
Sometimes, all it takes is choosing to be human.
Featured Image from: Facebook: Good Deeds Day