Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Atlanta Celebrates Fourth Annual Holocaust Survivor Day

Attendees celebrate resilience and unity at the Holocaust Survivor Day in Atlanta.

News Summary

On June 5, Atlanta hosted its fourth annual Holocaust Survivor Day, honoring 55 survivors and their loved ones with a day filled with emotion, community, and remembrance. The event, organized by the Holocaust Survivor Support Fund and local partners, included speeches from community leaders, live musical performances, and heartfelt messages of support. This celebration, apart from the tragedy, focused on the strength and resilience of survivors, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.

Atlanta Comes Together for the Fourth Annual Holocaust Survivor Day

On June 5, the city of Atlanta buzzed with emotion and energy as approximately 150 attendees gathered at City Springs to celebrate the fourth annual Holocaust Survivor Day. This heartfelt occasion attracted 55 brave survivors and their loved ones, creating an atmosphere filled with both joy and reflection. Although Holocaust Survivor Day is officially designated for June 4, the celebration takes place any day within that week to pay tribute to these remarkable individuals, honoring their strength and resilience.

A Celebration of Community and Connection

This wonderful event was brought to life by the Holocaust Survivor Support Fund (HSSF) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, in partnership with Holocaust Support Services of Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS). Thanks to generous sponsors, including Seed the Dream Foundation, Jewish HomeLife, Sue and Gary Saban, and Cherie and Gary Aviv, the day was a beautiful blend of community camaraderie and remembrance.

Acting as the emcee for the day, Cherie Aviv, the founder and chair of HSSF, highlighted how this gathering fosters unity within the community. The venue was adorned with vibrant decorations and fresh flowers that enhanced the celebratory atmosphere, making it a day to remember.

Inspiring Stories and Moving Performances

The event featured a lineup of speakers who shared their thoughts and reflections. Among them were the Mayor Pro Tempore of Sandy Springs and the CEO/President of the Jewish Federation, bringing important messages to the attendees. A special video appearance by the CEO of the JCC of Krakow reminded everyone of the survivors’ profound resilience and the importance of keeping their stories alive.

This year’s gathering is part of a larger movement, as Holocaust Survivor Day has been celebrated nationally and globally since its inception in 2020. Earlier in May, a significant event marked the 59th anniversary of Yom HaShoah at the Memorial to the Six Million at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta, attended by over 500 people who came together to remember and honor.

Celebrating Milestones and Musical Moments

Amidst the moving speeches, attendees were delighted by live musical performances, featuring familiar tunes from beloved shows like “Oklahoma,” “Camelot,” and “My Fair Lady.” Moreover, the event also served as a platform for celebrating personal milestones; one special survivor turned 100 years old, while another couple joyfully marked their 58th wedding anniversary during the festivities.

Supporting Survivors in the Community

The HSSF plays a vital role in aiding Holocaust survivors throughout Georgia. In 2023 alone, they supported 166 survivors, providing care and emergency financial assistance across multiple service areas—a true testament to the generous spirit of the community. During the event, heartfelt messages from community members were also shared with the survivors, showcasing the connections that bridge continents and generations.

A Day Apart from Tragedy

As the day unfolded, it became clear that the significance of Holocaust Survivor Day goes beyond mere commemoration. It serves as a dedicated moment to celebrate the tenacity and strength of survivors, distinctly separate from other somber observances tied to horror and loss.

Atlanta’s event not only served as a reminder of the importance of remembering those who suffered but also of cherishing those who live on, sharing their stories of survival. With each passing year, the hope is to keep these legacies alive, ensuring that the wisdom and resilience of Holocaust survivors continue to inspire future generations.