On June 4, 85 Holocaust Survivors from the Greater Philadelphia region gathered with 120 people in attendance at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel for Holocaust Survivor Day – which was officially recognized in Philadelphia last year through proclamations by Governor Josh Shapiro and then Mayor Jim Kenney.

The event, hosted by Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, honored those who overcame the unimaginable and celebrated their resilience, strength, and hope. 

The day underscored that while Holocaust Survivors are teachers, it is the next generation’s responsibility to pass on their legacy.

The event, funded in part by a grant from Seed the Dream Foundation, featured remarks from Paula Goldstein, JFCS president, and Jason Holtzman, Jewish Federation director of Jewish Community Relations Council and third generation Survivor. Guests enjoyed a kosher lunch, klezmer music and dancing.

Event partners included 3G Philly, Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors Association, Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center, Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, and Sons & Daughters of Holocaust Survivors. Organizations from around the world held their own events simultaneously, as part of an initiative begun by JCC Krakow’s Holocaust Survivor Day project.

Thank you to the media for covering this important event:

WATCH: CBS Philadelphia 

LISTEN: KYW Newsradio
READ: Glenside Local
READ: DVJ