On Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, we commemorate the tragedy of the Holocaust and honor the victims of Nazi persecution. Here at UJA-Federation of New York, serving Holocaust survivors who are still with us and enrich our communities is a vital commitment.
Find out how we enable impoverished Nazi victims to lead full, independent, and dignified lives, and learn how organizations in our network of beneficiary agencies are commemorating Yom HaShoah this year.
Help for Nazi Victims
Community Initiative for Nazi Victim Services
The New York metropolitan area is home to nearly 55,000 elderly Holocaust survivors. Many survivors live alone, and most are at or below the poverty line. Some suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and have no family to call on for support.
The Community Initiative for Nazi Victim Services (CINVS) provides funding to make basic services available to Holocaust survivors in New York. Between 500 and 600 survivors become new clients at UJA-Federation's beneficiary agencies each year:
- Selfhelp Community Services, the largest agency providing comprehensive care for Nazi victims in New York, has a caseload of 5,300 individuals.
- Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty helps care for more than 10,000 Nazi victims with services including home care, food vouchers, cash assistance, transportation support, and case management.
- Twenty other beneficiary agencies in and beyond the UJA-Federation network of agencies offer limited services to another 4,500 people.
CINVS provides sensitive, compassionate care to victims of Nazi persecution. Our beneficiary agencies deliver such services as:
- Home care to assist elderly survivors with domestic duties
- Counseling that offers therapeutic support for those dealing with traumatic memories, loss, and the challenges of growing old
- Meals-on-wheels, which delivers hot meals on a daily basis for those who can no longer prepare nutritious food for themselves
- Recreational activities and socialization opportunities that alleviate seniors' loneliness and isolation
- Financial aid that supplies emergency cash assistance for the impoverished
- Senior adult residences that offer housing with on-site social services, enabling residents to maintain their independence and continue participating in community activities
- Case management that links survivors with appropriate providers and resources
Contact Information
Holocaust victims or children of Holocaust victims who are interested in CINVS services or any other assistance should contact UJA-Federation's Resource Line at 1-800-UJA-FED7.
Selfhelp Community Services provides comprehensive care and support to victims of Nazi persecution. For ongoing services, call 1.212.971.5475.
Amcha: Psychosocial Support for Holocaust Survivors
Amcha, a UJA-Federation-supported member of the Israel Trauma Coalition, brings support to Holocaust survivors and their families in Israel. In addition to offering therapy and social activities, Amcha also records survivors' life stories on video.
Every year on Yom HaShoah, Amcha offers telephone hotlines, commemoration ceremonies, intergenerational meetings, screenings of Holocaust films with discussions, and open houses for the general public. Learn more about Amcha's programs.
Agency Yom HaShoah Commemorations
Kings Bay YM-YWHA and Jewish Community Council of Kings Bay
The Kings Bay YM-YWHA and the Jewish Community Council of Kings Bay will hold a Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony on Sunday, May 4th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to honor the memory of 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. The program will include a moving candle-lighting ceremony, personal stories, a choir, and addresses from elected officials and community leaders.
Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council
Communitywide Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Join the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council for a communitywide Yom HaShoah commemoration on Sunday, May 4th, at 7:15 p.m. at the Young Israel of New Hyde Park. Listen to the story of guest speaker Agnes Adachi, one of the Hungarian Jews saved by Raoul Wallenberg. After her rescue, Agnes helped in the rescue of more than 100,000 other Jews.
Holocaust Remembrance Day Program: "Ships to Nowhere"
At 7:00 p.m. at the Jewish Center of Oak Hills, Rabbi Jeffrey Rappoport will discuss the poignant stories of the many ships that left Europe during the Holocaust, and their widely varied fates. The Jewish Center of Oak Hills will honor Holocaust survivors and invites them to attend this event, along with their descendents.
Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester
The Promise, Exhibit and Reception With Ernest W. Michel
On Thursday, May 1st, the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester will host an evening reception to introduce the unique, historical Judaica collection of former UJA-Federation executive vice president and Holocaust survivor Ernest W. Michel, who is also the author of Promises to Keep and Promises Kept. Mr. Michel's books and the exhibit, titled The Promise, include truly profound and compelling photographs, letters, and signed documents. They tell an unprecedented, inspiring story of one man's courage against incredible odds, paralleling the history of the Jewish people and Israel. Mr. Michel will bring the exhibit to life that night when he shares his personal stories of hope, survival, and triumph with the guests in attendance.
Sephardic Community Center
Join the Sephardic Community Center on Thursday, May 1st, at 1:00 p.m. for a Yom HaShoah commemoration program, featuring stories of survival from authors and other guest speakers, followed by a special candle-lighting ceremony.
Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center
On Thursday, May 1st, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., teens will share the personal stories of Holocaust survivors they interviewed over the course of the past year. This event is part of the Sid Jacobson JCC's Adopt-a-Survivor program.
