A Victim’s Story

A Life of Strength and Independence

At just 15 years old, Bronia Rybsztajn orchestrated a daring escape from a concentration camp, saving herself and two friends. That act of courage defined the rest of her life. A Holocaust survivor, she carried the weight of unspeakable loss yet chose to rebuild with dignity, intelligence, and faith.

In the years that followed, Bronia, originally from Kalisz, Poland, built a new life in Brooklyn. She married Jakub (Jack) Rybsztajn, a fellow survivor from Poland, and together they raised a daughter, two sons, and later welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch, Bronia was known for her warmth and determination. She and Jack remained in their own home well into old age, and it was only at 97 that Bronia finally allowed herself a bit of help.

Elite Care

In 2021, as Bronia and her family began exploring in-home eldercare options, they were approached by fellow shul (church) member Eli Kohn, the owner and operator of Elite Care*. Kohn actively encouraged the family to use his services, presenting them with multiple articles about himself and Elite Care that had appeared in the 5 Towns Jewish Times newspaper. Both the articles and the accompanying advertisements described Elite Care as licensed and insured, claiming that the agency placed licensed, bonded nurses in the homes of its clients.

The relationship was short lived. Bronia and her family complained to Kohn that the quality of service was sub-standard, inconsistent, and unsafe and canceled the contract. The family stepped up to take on an even larger role in Bronia and Jack’s care. Several months later, in the spring of 2022, after Bronia had surgery, the family once again looked for suggestions at the shul for in-home eldercare. Kohn once again pursued the family, promising that they wouldn’t be sorry, if they gave him and Elite Care another chance.

But they were sorry, very very sorry.

What happened is unclear. But within three days, Bronia was critically injured, passing away three weeks later, never having recovered consciousness.

Allegations and Investigations

After Bronia’s suspicious injury and death, the family attempted to put her affairs in order, asking for Elite Care’s insurance. Eventually, Kohn admitted that Elite Care didn’t actually have any insurance.

This started an investigation that revealed that Elite Care was not only NOT insured, but that counter to New York state law, they weren’t licensed either. Of the care providers sent into Bronia and Jack’s home, none were actually registered nurses, none were bonded, one had a criminal record after having been in Riker’s Island on drugs and weapons charges, and the woman on duty when Bronia was injured was using a fake name and has since disappeared.

Why Bronia’s Story Matters

Elite Care flouted the law, emboldened by the reality that with so few investigators, enforcement is rare. Even complaints against licensed eldercare facilities can take years to resolve.

Bronia’s death has become a stark example of the risks families face when unlicensed providers operate unchecked. Her case revealed how easily companies can present themselves as legitimate while avoiding the safeguards meant to protect seniors.

Her story has since become a rallying cry for reform. It reminds us that dignity in eldercare must be built on transparency, verified licensing, and true accountability. The Eldercare Transparency Act seeks to close these gaps and ensure that no family in New York endures the same uncertainty and loss at the hands of unscrupulous profiteers.

But Bronia’s story isn’t unique. Based on the figures from other states (NY doesn’t publish the numbers publicly) more than one hundred thousand New Yorkers are currently in the care of unlicensed eldercare facilities and home health agencies. Without significant changes, we could all find ourselves in the same situation as Bronia’s family.

We are all Bronia.

Bronia Rybsztajn 2012

*Elite Care, an unlicensed, uninsured home health care agency owned by Eli Kohn should not be confused with Elite HHC llc which is a legitimate, licensed provider with offices around the state.