MAKKAH, 2 September 2007 — Looking pale and with sorrow on their faces, elderly people living in an old people’s care center in Makkah say they are suffering mental anguish after being abandoned there by their children and wonder why they have been cast aside in their hour of need.

Abdul Aziz Janbi, 64, has been resident at the center for over 10 years. Having previously suffered psychological problems, Janbi was brought here from Shihar Psychological Hospital after his condition improved. Janbi is single, and takes regular medication.

According to Abdullah, a male nurse at the center, Janbi has seldom visitors. “He’s upset over this and spends his time touring the home helping other people here. He likes meeting visitors, especially those that make him laugh,” said Abdullah.

Khadir Al-Amri, 65, was brought to the home some seven years ago. He suffers from a nerve problem and now suffers memory loss. Al-Amri claimed he was seven-years-old and said he was hoping to get married. “His brother comes and visits him sometimes. He’s senile,” said Abdullah.

A man could be heard laughing hysterically from a room in the home. Inside the room was a jovial 66-year-old man called Gazi Sindhi. Sindhi is mentally ill and laughs all day. “I wonder how he keeps laughing and smiling being in this place,” said Abdullah.

Muhammad Bukai, 76, has been in the home for 41 years. He suffers from diabetes and is originally from Taif.

Perhaps one of the saddest stories is that of Matar Muaimish, 85, who has spent nine years here. Muaimish, whose family never visits him, appeared religious. “He is always praying and fasting and is a delightful gentleman,” said Abdullah. He added that Muaimish always has his jacket on, no matter what the weather is. No one knows why.

A shy resident introduced himself as Muhsin Al-Zubaidi. “I’m 80 years old and came here around nine months ago,” said Al-Zubaidi, who cannot see properly.

The situation of old people in the ladies section of the home is just as painful as the men’s section.

Khadra, who is in her 80s, cannot walk and suffers from a skin allergy. “My nephew brought me here after sending my maid away,” she said with tears in her eyes. “I hope I can get my maid back. She was so nice and helpful.”

Sara, 75, sits silently as if she is thinking deeply. She has been at the home for three years. “My nephew brought me here. I used to live with him and his mother, my sister. Her name is Nura. I can’t forget her and miss her so much. Please telephone her and tell her I miss her,” said Sara. As we moved away, Sara began sobbing.

Another resident is Laila, an 80-year-old woman. “I have three daughters who are all married and live outside Makkah. They left me with some relatives who in turn put me here,” she said. Laila’s daughters do not visit her. However, she has hope that they will one day come and visit her.

Afifa, who is also in her 80s, was brought to the house by some relatives. She said that she has one daughter who is married to an old man. Her son-in-law objected to Afifa living with them. “I blame my daughter for not visiting me or even calling me,” she said in a sad voice. She then turned her face away and began crying.

Mabruka is over 100 and has spent the past 40 years at the care center. She has no relatives and was brought to the house by some neighbors. She suffers from depression and loneliness.

As Ramadan comes and families get together to enjoy the festive season, spare a thought about the hapless souls at the old people’s home in Makkah. For most of these people, being far from their relatives in Ramadan is a severe type of punishment in itself.