On June 4, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York (Federation) partnered once again to host a warm, intimate luncheon celebrating International Holocaust Survivor Day. Held at the Jewish Federation’s Golub Center in Albany, the event brought together local Survivors, their families, and community members from across the NY Capital Region to honor strength, memory, and the enduring continuity of the Jewish community.
The celebratory luncheon was made possible locally through a grant from the KAVOD Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF). Attendees were treated to a special opportunity funded by the Seed the Dream Foundation, where professional photographs of Survivors and their families were taken and printed as meaningful mementos.
The afternoon struck a powerful chord as attendees listened to firsthand testimony from two local survivors. One survivor shared a harrowing, deeply moving recollection of being just five years old and the fierce efforts his mother made to protect him, another whose family fled from Belarus.
During the event, JFS proudly shared the profound local impact of their ongoing care management. In the last year alone, JFS staff dedicated nearly 550 hours of direct service to over 50 local survivors—navigating complex healthcare systems, resolving critical safety concerns, and managing benefits to ensure they can continue to live independently and with dignity.
One attendee (Larisa S.) remarked “I enjoyed today’s Holocaust Survivors Day Celebration. I particularly liked the music [played by Laura Melnicoff cellist] and reunited with many friends. I am very appreciative of this event and all that JFS does to support my family.”
“We have precious, limited years left to support and honor these extraordinary individuals—the youngest of whom is already over 80, and the oldest over 100,” said Jane Ginsburg, President and CEO of JFS of NENY. “Thursday’s luncheon was a beautiful celebration, but our true honor lies in the daily, critical work of keeping our Survivors out of crisis. The time is now to reflect our commitment to their strength and honor the memory of those we have lost.”
To support these efforts, JFS trying to raise $10,000, which will trigger a 1-to-1 match through KAVOD SHEF. This joint initiative directly provides over $20,000 annually to an emergency needs fund for local Survivors.
“Holocaust Survivors embody the resilience of our people, and supporting and honoring them is paramount to Federation’s mission,” added Rob Kovach, Jewish Federation President & CEO.
International Holocaust Survivor Day, originally launched by the JCC in Krakow, Poland, was celebrated this year across 32 KAVOD SHEF communities nationwide. The initiative spotlights the world’s remaining 196,600 Survivors not only as witnesses to history, but as bearers of wisdom whose lives continue to guide communities amidst rising global antisemitism.
Community members looking to learn more, view media coverage of the event, or contribute to the Holocaust Survivor Assistance match fund can visit jfsneny.org (via the orange “Donate” button) or call 518-482-8856 ext. 2. Donations can also be made by mailing a check to JFS at 184 Washington Ave. Extension, Albany NY 12203, indicating the match program.
About Jewish Family Services of NENY
Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) is a human service agency dedicated to supporting individuals and families of all ages and faiths through life’s transitions. JFS provides counseling and essential support services and fosters independence and healthy aging, guided by Jewish values to ensure that every person is served with Kavod HaBriyot—honor and dignity. Their mission is amplified by volunteers and sustained by donors, ensuring that support for our community is always within reach.
About Seed the Dream Foundation
Seed the Dream Foundation, an impact-driven family foundation, advances lasting change in communities across the United States and Israel. Our philanthropy seeks to inspire hope and resilience in six priority areas: Educational Access, Combating Antisemitism, Israel & Peoplehood, Women’s Empowerment, Crisis Response & Health Initiatives, and Impact Investing.