Rachel is one of the hundreds of clients who participate in programming funded by UJA-Federation through its partner Selfhelp, which offers survivors vital care and community.

“I go every month to the luncheons that Selfhelp hosts for survivors,” recounts Rachel. “There’s delicious food, entertainment — but more importantly, I feel a sense of belonging.”

Rachel’s social worker at Selfhelp, Julie Fleischmann, met Rachel when she decided to start sharing her wartime story. She was hidden by a righteous family in France during the war, who cared for Rachel and her brother as their own. 

“Even now, when I tell my story, I prefer to focus on this wonderful family rather than myself,” explains Rachel.

Part of Rachel’s story is her enduring love of music and dancing, “since I’m a little girl,” she says. “But the war interrupted all that.”

When Rachel was 60, she started dancing again — first taking lessons at a local dance studio, where she eventually met Eran, who has been her teacher for the past decade. Now, the two meet in her home on Long Island to dance at least twice a week.

 “I feel the music deep in my soul,” says Rachel. “I can’t walk in my high heels — but I sure can dance in them!” 

Rachel’s story shows that survivors can thrive — especially when they aren’t alone. Part of UJA’s mission is to ensure survivors have the support they need to find joy and meaning, whether that’s through dancing or something else — no age limit involved.  

“I’d love to show people what a 93-year-old can do,” says Rachel proudly.