The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed to ensuring that Holocaust Survivors receive the essential services they need in order to live out the rest of their lives in dignity. This month’s FedFive is dedicated to the work we do to provide critical care for Holocaust Survivors locally and in Israel.

Caring for Holocaust Survivors 

The Jewish Federation provides funding for organizations to address the holistic needs of Holocaust Survivors, including medical, socialization and basic needs. In addition, the Jewish Federation leads initiatives to educate, commemorate and advocate on and about the Holocaust to ensure that the Greater Philadelphia community never forgets about the atrocities of the past and so that history doesn’t repeat itself.

• 11,700+ older adults, including Holocaust Survivors, served through various Jewish Federation supported programs in Greater Philadelphia
• 61 Years of hosting the annual Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony
• 1,500 Holocaust Survivors receive bi-monthly food boxes and hygiene products through the Jewish Federation's grantee Latet, Israel's largest food bank

Learn more about how the Jewish Federation cares for those in need, including Holocaust Survivors by clicking here.

Remembering from Generation to Generation 

"As the child of Holocaust survivors, I feel a deep responsibility as a Jewish woman and mother to ensure that the next generation is educated about the Holocaust and committed to joining the fight to combat antisemitism so that history is never allowed to repeat itself."

 –  Sarita Gocial, Yizkor Committee Chair (2008 - 2025) 

For over six decades, the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council and other local organizations have hosted Philadelphia’s Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony, in observance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). The program includes first-hand stories from Holocaust Survivors, candle lighting, music and prayers.

We invite you to join our 61st annual ceremony this Sunday as part of our community’s tradition to ensure that we Never Forget about the six million Jews who perished in the Shoah and that we continue to honor the Survivors. Register here by Friday, April 25 at 9 a.m. 

Partnering with KAVOD SHEF 

"Since Seed the Dream Foundation and Kavod launched KAVOD Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF) in 2019, it has been a critical lifeline for Holocaust Survivors in Greater Philadelphia and across the United States. We remain grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia for their steadfast commitment and partnership in ensuring that Holocaust Survivors in need have access to emergency services wherever they live."

 –  Talia Kaplan, Executive Director, Seed the Dream Foundation

Supporting Holocaust Survivors in Israel

"Thanks to our devoted partnership with the Jewish Federation, Latet is able to dedicate our resources to aiding Holocaust Survivors nationwide." 

– Gilles Darmon, Latet Founder and President 

Did you know that 25% of Holocaust Survivors in Israel live below the poverty line, according to the Claims Conference January 2024 Report?

The Jewish Federation is committed to ensuring the needs of all Holocaust Survivors, including those at home and those in the Jewish homeland, are met. We have a team based in Israel that works with our overseas grantees to make sure your dollars are creating the greatest impact. 

Just two of the organizations that the Jewish Federations funds in worldwide to support Holocaust Survivors includes:

• Latet's Aid for Life program, which provides Holocaust survivors with the necessary resources – such as food, home repairs and social services. Around 1,500 Survivors in Israel received bi-monthly food boxes and hygiene products through Latet, Israel’s largest food bank.
  
• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which provides humanitarian aid and supports Jewish life worldwide. Around 23,000 Nazi victims in the Former Soviet Union were helped last year through the JDC. 

Learn more about how the Jewish Federation supports Israel and World Jewry Here.

Marching to Never Forget

"Being a Holocaust Survivor's son has had a long and profound impact on my life. It is essential in these times of rising antisemitism, and this stage of my life, to close the circle to see where my mother and grandmother were imprisoned and my grandfather was murdered."

 – Gary Falk, March of the Living participant

Right now, your local Jewish Federation has sent around 30 community members are commemorating Yom HaShoah by walking in unity from Auschwitz to Birkenau with over 10,000 people from around the world to participate in the March of the Living. Following the march, participants will continue on to Israel, understanding the necessity for a Jewish homeland.

You can keep up with the mission, which is taking place 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, through our Instagram and Facebook. 

You can learn about the Jewish Federation's missions by clicking here. 

HERE AS ONE

Show the world that we are Here As One by supporting the Jewish Federation’s mission of Caring for Those in Need, Supporting Israel and Global Jewry, and Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future. Make your gift before year’s end by clicking here.