Program Honors Holocaust Survivors’ Strength

Hearts were filled with joy as Holocaust survivors were honored with their families, volunteers, and guests at a joyful Holocaust Survivor Day on Monday, June 9, to celebrate survivors’ strength and resilience. Holocaust Survivor Day, now an annual event in its fifth year, has celebrations happening locally, nationally, and globally.

Approximately 180 people, including 59 survivors and their family members, gathered for a special program, followed by entertainment by the City Springs Theatre Conservatory students and lunch. The Atlanta event was hosted by the Holocaust Survivor Support Fund (HSSF) convened by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

Cherie Aviv, founder and chair of HSSF, noted, “As you look at our generous sponsors of Holocaust Survivor Day, I am so proud to be part of a community where we have many organizations that work to care for survivors, educate the community about the Holocaust, and provide commemoration. The day was a celebration of survivors and our Jewish community working together.”

Holocaust Survivor Day was graciously sponsored by Seed the Dream Foundation, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Jewish Family & Career Services, The Breman Museum, Eternal Life-Hemshech, Am Yisrael Chai/The Daffodil Project, Georgia Commission on the Holocaust, Jewish HomeLife, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Congregation B’nai Torah, Specialized Printing, and Cherie and Gary Aviv.

Ronnie Zandman shared, “The event was a magnificent acknowledgement of survivors and what they teach us about starting over, rebuilding lives, and forging new paths. With all the turmoil in the world, it was a moment to be uplifting, to see the smiles on the guests’ faces, and be encouraged by the talent of the amazing high school students who performed.”

Aviv emceed the event, with speakers Rich Walter, chief impact officer of Jewish Federation, and Terri Bonoff, CEO of JF&CS. There was also a video highlighting survivors in many special events and programs throughout the year whether cultural, social programs, or celebrating Jewish holidays.

Walter, in his remarks, noted, “We celebrate the survivors and also their caregivers for all they do. I also want to thank the survivors who have documented their story playing a critical role in helping future generations to understand the danger of hate and antisemitism as well as instilling a sense of pride and perseverance in the Jewish future.”

Bonoff added, “At JF&CS, providing care to Holocaust survivors is core to our mission and vision to transform lives and help people live to their full potential. We are honored to partner with HSSF in this endeavor and be committed long-term to care for survivors in Atlanta and in the Southeast region. The survivors are part of our family, and we are here today in celebration of them. We are inspired by their courage and resilience. Their spirits shine a bright light for us all.”

There were special rounds of applause for two survivors, Ruth, celebrating her 100th birthday this year, and a survivor who will be celebrating his 101st birthday. Hershel was recognized for his trip this past April, as a Holocaust survivor, on the March of the Living program.

Samantha Paulen, granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor said, “The moment was so special for me to see survivors honored and cared for. As a granddaughter of a survivor, it was truly heartwarming.” Marie, a survivor said, “It was wonderful to connect with children and grandchildren of survivors, in attendance, keeping our history alive together through the generation.”

“I was deeply moved by the warmth of the kindness in everyone’s hearts, and the lovely songs that carried the spirit of the celebration,” said Nusya, another survivor. “Every detail, even the lovely lunch, made me feel seen and cherished. It was a truly unforgettable and touching day — one I will hold close to my heart.”

Inna Lyubimova, JF&CS case manager, noted, “The survivors truly loved the gathering. It made them feel surrounded by warmth and kindness. Some survivors rarely get the chance to leave home or spend time with friends. This day was precious and unforgettable.”

Natalie DeLancey, executive director of City Springs Theatre Company, arranged for the Conservatory students from the upcoming cast of “Footloose” to perform. The conservatory provides training for young people in the performing arts. For this event, the inspiring performers included Trevor “TJay” Groce, Elizabeth Hall, Symone Muñoz, Kennedy Johnson, Dakota Youngblood, Roger Wang, and pianist Judy Cole. They sang a variety of songs.

Yakov, a survivor, said, “It was so meaningful and uplifting to see young and talented people on stage, paying tribute to Holocaust survivors.” And Marina, a family member, added, “It was also so wonderful to speak with the performers afterwards.”

“My mother would not have missed today’s event,” said family member Susan Berman. “She felt energized, loved, and adored. These events allow her to socialize and enjoy special moments such as these phenomenal talented singers. “

The Holocaust Survivor Support Fund convened by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, was created to work with primary partners JF&CS and Jewish HomeLife and community partners (The Breman Museum, Eternal life-Hemshech, MJCCA).

JF&CS is a social service agency that works directly with survivors to provide care for survivors with funds from the Claims Conference. Yet these funds are unable to meet all the needs of survivors. The Holocaust Survivor Support Fund, through support from generous donors, helps make up for the shortfall in funding from the Claims Conference, and to help survivors with needs such as homecare, prescription assistance, dental care, emergency financial assistance, home-delivered meals, food assistance, adult day care, residential care and more.

In 2024, HSSF funds helped 169 Holocaust survivors in Georgia and provided 514 touchpoints across all service areas (with duplicates). To learn more about the Holocaust Survivor Support Fund or to donate, to help support survivors in need in their final years, please visit www.jewishatlanta.org/HSSF.