On Wednesday October 12th, WJCS hosted about 70 Holocaust Survivors at a beautiful Sukkot luncheon at Westchester Reform Temple to celebrate the festive holiday. The Jewish holiday of Sukkot is known as a festival of joy, and joy is the perfect word to describe the mood and feelings experienced by our attendees.
Guests were thrilled to gather in the beautiful sukkah—a temporary hut covered with branches that represents the divine protection the children of Israel received as they traveled in the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt. The Survivors, who often feel socially isolated due to their advanced aging, were thrilled to see old friends and be welcomed by WJCS CEO Seth Diamond, Coordinator of WJCS Holocaust Survivor Services Allison Danzig, Director of the WJCS Spiritual Healing Center Rabbi Michael Goldman, and New York State Senator Shelley Mayer.
There was a particularly exciting and moving reunion between two women who saw each other for the first time since their days together in the Lodz ghetto. Having lived on the same floor in a building in the ghetto, they both recognized and embraced each other instantly. “Sukkot is a holiday that celebrates strength and survival in the face of vulnerability. What a perfect time for Holocaust Survivors, who exemplify strength and survival, to gather together,” said Danzig. “Ultimately, the social events and supportive programming we provide at WJCS for Holocaust Survivors are about connection. The light, joy, and warmth that is shared when Survivors come together is inspiring to all of us.”
WJCS is grateful to the Claims Conference and UJA-Federation of New York for their support and sponsorship of this event.
Learn more about our Holocaust Survivor and Family Services.
