Page 15 - The Jewish Voice - April '20

The Jewish Voice, Page 15

aLL about Kids

Child Holocaust Survivor hidden, and so were the things of regular, normal life.” Federation Launches

First-hand accounts provide survivors with validation
Makes a Difference in of their experiences, as well as the opportunity to socialize, Humanitarian Outreach
Students’ Lives as students get a history lesson with the chance to ask Program for Teen Volunteers
questions. While the story details of each survivor differ,
Holocaust survivors in the Ferd & Gladys Alpert they have a common thread of painful loss — of name, Teenagers looking for a way to make a difference on a
Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) Holocaust Survivors individuality, family, and life as they knew it. Marie global scale can now turn to a new program launched by
Assistance Program have been sharing their stories of told the group that her experience during the Holocaust Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County known as Project
survival with children in the Greater Palm Beaches. changed her definition of family, saying that she considers Tikvah Without Borders. Aimed to help teens make a
Recently, an 83-year-old survivor spoke before a group her Alpert JFS case manager, the organization’s staff difference, connect to the world, and strengthen their Jewish
of 50 students and teachers at The Greene School in West members, and the people she meets who are interested in
Palm Beach. her story her “family.”
Accompanied by a slide show of personal photographs, “The importance of Holocaust education is clear,” said
Marie told the story of her
family’s journey from Belgium
to France, recounting her time
in a concentration camp, an
escape with members of the
French Underground, being
hidden in a nunnery and
farmhouse, and emigrating to
the United States. The students
were extremely interested in the
photos, which Marie said bring
her “good memories,” as well
as the differences in her life
before, during, and after World
War II.
“During the war I wasn’t
able to have toys or play outside
very often,” said Marie. “I was
Alpert JFS CEO Marc Hopin. “A recent research study
from the Pew Research Center found that half of America’s
adults were unaware of basic facts about the Holocaust,
the number of Jews who perished, or how Hitler and the
Nazis came to power. The impact of our survivors sharing
testimonies has an impact on students, whose empathy
helps to promote healing among the trauma victims.”
While living with the pain of the past, the Holocaust
survivors get pleasure from speaking to student groups.
Alpert JFS case managers and teachers help prepare both
survivors and students for the interactions. All About Kids on page 16

Thousands of Holocaust Survivors are

living in poverty in Palm Beach County.

Funding from the Claims Conference has been significant, but more

resources are needed NOW, as Survivors age and their needs grow.

A caring community does not stand by when aging
Holocaust Survivors need additional services.

When Holocaust Your generosity will help improve a Survivor’s life by providing
nutritious food, home health assistance, medical care, transportation,

social interaction and other vital services at the level they require today.
Survivors need help, For 36 years, MorseLife has served as a lifeline for Jewish seniors

throughout the community and on our campus. Help us fulfill this
historic commitment.
MorseLife is there. Please donate today.

Donate online at: MorseLifeFoundation.org
Call to discuss your gift: 561.476.3404
gofundme.com/f/morselifefoundation-now-for-holocaust

Send checks to: NOW for Holocaust Survivors
Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Seniors Campus
4847 David S. Mack Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417