Holocaust Survivors Stories

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November 06, 2024

Resilience in the Face of Hatred

Resilience in the Face of Hatred

We recently discussed the impact of antisemitism with our Holocaust Support Services team and one of our survivor clients, Bebe. Read More

April 29, 2024

Ruth's Story

Ruth's Story

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed May 5) holds a weight for the Jewish people, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Israel. We recently had the honor of speaking with survivor and JF&CS client Ruth Simon Heinemann, her daughter… Read More

November 01, 2023

Lev's Journey: "I came to the US with no money. Today, I have lots of help from JF&CS. I am very lucky."

Lev's Journey: "I came to the US with no money. Today, I have lots of help from JF&CS. I am very lucky."

In preparation for Community of Giving 2023, we are sharing a story of impact from last year's event. Read on to learn about Lev's remarkable life, and how JF&CS has been able to help with the support of our community. Read More

June 30, 2022

One Good Deed Volunteer Jessie and Her Phone Friendship with Valeri and Chana

One Good Deed Volunteer Jessie and Her Phone Friendship with Valeri and Chana

“Even though we have never met in person, I feel so connected to them,” said Jessie, a One Good Deed Volunteer, of her phone relationship with Valeri and Chana, whom she is helping to learn English. Read More

April 26, 2022

Lila’s Story: JF&CS Secures Crucial Homecare After Near-Death Experience

Lila’s Story: JF&CS Secures Crucial Homecare After Near-Death Experience

Lila, a Holocaust Survivor from Ukraine, found herself in an extremely dangerous medical situation, and doctors were unsure if she would even survive. Despite all odds, she survived, but needed more assistance to be safe alone at home. JF&CS stepped… Read More

April 26, 2022

Mark’s Story: JF&CS Steps in with Homecare and Home Safety Modifications

Mark’s Story: JF&CS Steps in with Homecare and Home Safety Modifications

Holocaust Survivor Mark moved to Georgia with no assets and low income. He applied for the Medicare that he desperately needs, but a decision could take months. What was he to do in the meantime? JF&CS was there to help. Read More

April 26, 2022

Adeliya’s Story: A Lifeline from the Georgia Heat

Adeliya’s Story: A Lifeline from the Georgia Heat

Holocaust Survivor Adeliya moved to Atlanta in 1976, and encountered some financial struggles. When her A/C broke in the middle of the sweltering Georgia summer, and it seemed like there was nowhere she could turn for financial help to repair it,… Read More

April 26, 2022

Boris’ Story: Connection and Care Where He Needed It

Boris’ Story: Connection and Care Where He Needed It

Boris, a Holocaust Survivor, moved to the United States four years ago, and faced a myriad of physical health problems. He also felt very lonely and isolated socially. JF&CS helped ensure his mental and physical health was taken care of. Read More

April 26, 2022

Alexander’s Story: Getting the (Home)Care He Needed

Alexander’s Story: Getting the (Home)Care He Needed

Alexander, a 90-year-old Survivor from Ukraine, received crucial homecare hours with assistance from JF&CS, which allowed him to feel safe in his own home. Read More

March 17, 2022

The ‘Atlanta Gravestone Project’: Behind the push to mark every Jewish grave - Atlanta Journal Constitution

The ‘Atlanta Gravestone Project’: Behind the push to mark every Jewish grave - Atlanta Journal Constitution

The ‘Atlanta Gravestone Project’: Behind the push to mark every Jewish grave - from the Atlanta Journal Constitution Read More

March 15, 2022

Miriam’s Journey: Creating a Safe Home After Beating Cancer

Miriam’s Journey: Creating a Safe Home After Beating Cancer

The Holocaust Survivor Services at JF&CS stepped up for Miriam, a Holocaust Survivor who beat cancer, when she encountered unexpected circumstances and needed help. Read More

March 10, 2022

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Has Jewish Atlanta’s Attention

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Has Jewish Atlanta’s Attention

Many Atlanta Jews who can trace their family history to Ukraine are paying extra attention to Russia’s military invasion. Read More

March 10, 2022

For Atlanta Jews, Invasion of Ukraine Hits Home

For Atlanta Jews, Invasion of Ukraine Hits Home

As one Jewish Atlantan said, “Their blood is in my veins and my heart is hurting for the Ukrainian people.” Read More

March 02, 2022

JF&CS Supports Ukrainian Holocaust Survivors

JF&CS Supports Ukrainian Holocaust Survivors

As we all try to absorb the barrage of heartbreaking news coming out of Ukraine, there is one group that has been deeply impacted. JF&CS provides support for Holocaust Survivors in Atlanta, and 10 states in the Southeast region. We talked to our… Read More

July 30, 2021

Atlanta One of 32 Cities to Receive Emergency Services for Holocaust Survivors Thanks to National Matching Initiative

Atlanta One of 32 Cities to Receive Emergency Services for Holocaust Survivors Thanks to National Matching Initiative

ATLANTA –July 2021 – As the pandemic passes its year mark, Holocaust survivors across the U.S. continue to face new and renewed daily struggles. Covid-19 has only further exacerbated and enhanced the challenges that this vulnerable population faces.… Read More

June 18, 2021

Three Free Services and Financial Benefits for Holocaust Survivors

Three Free Services and Financial Benefits for Holocaust Survivors

At Jewish Family and Career Services of Atlanta, we provide a wide array of social services and assistance to holocaust survivors residing in the Southeast. Read More

June 01, 2021

Cherie Aviv Continues to Bring Cheer to Holocaust Survivors Throughout the Pandemic

Cherie Aviv Continues to Bring Cheer to Holocaust Survivors Throughout the Pandemic

“I love this mask. It is the only one that fits me,” said a Holocaust survivor who received a cute mask with an apple pattern for the Rosh Hashanah holiday. A survivor’s granddaughter shared, “My grandmother adored the napkins picturing the Seder… Read More

November 03, 2020

Claims Conference Reparations Update

Claims Conference Reparations Update

The Claims Conference recently announced the results of their negotiations with the German Government. The results of the negotiations will benefit many survivors. Read More

October 30, 2020

Survivor Spotlight: Yakov Ayzengart’s Toothpick Structures

Survivor Spotlight: Yakov Ayzengart’s Toothpick Structures

In 1991, Yakov Ayzengart moved from Moldova, Soviet Union to Atlanta, GA. During this move, he brought along his most cherished things; chief among them were his skills as a mechanical engineer. Mr. Ayzengart’s design capabilities have driven his… Read More

October 12, 2020

Sweet Music for the Soul

Sweet Music for the Soul

On Sunday, September 13, volunteer musicians visited eleven Holocaust Survivors at four different homes to bring isolated seniors the joy of music. A 4th grader at Epstein School also made sure the Survivors heard the sound of the Shofar on the… Read More