On Wednesday June 4th, Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) hosted its 5th Annual Holocaust Survivor Day Luncheon. The event brought together dozens of Holocaust Survivors living in the Westchester community along with their family members and caregivers. Holocaust Survivors Day is dedicated to celebrating the strength and impact of Holocaust Survivors. “In bringing survivors of the Shoah together, we celebrate their strength, resilience, connection to community and Jewish peoplehood, and generational wisdom,” said Marcy Gringlas, Ph.D., President of the Seed the Dream Foundation, which sponsored the event.
The joy of being and celebrating together was evident to all those who attended. As one adult child of a survivor said, “The event was amazing. I saw my dad become emotional at times, especially during the Israeli songs. My mom danced the Hora and sang along to many of the tunes. My dad told us in the car that it was the best thing he’s ever seen. Thank you both so much for your warm welcome, outstanding memory, and all of the hard work that went into this! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Allison Danzig, Coordinator of Holocaust Survivor Services at WJCS, said, “We in Westchester are so fortunate to have courageous and inspiring Holocaust Survivors who are models of how to live productive and constructive lives. These are people who carry within them painful memories and losses and yet have transcended negativity to build beautiful families and contribute to their community.”
WJCS provides a wide array of services to Holocaust Survivors in Westchester, including home-delivered kosher meals, support groups for survivors as well as members of the Second Generation led by a skilled professional, home care coordination, and social activities that include holiday celebrations and outings to films, concerts, and shows. Click here to learn more about WJCS services for Holocaust Survivors and their families.
The festive and meaningful event was co-hosted by Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, where it was held, as well as by KAVOD, and Concerts in Motion, an organization that is dedicated to alleviating loneliness through music.
