We must help Holocaust survivors
William S. Silvers, MD, JFS supporter and child of Holocaust survivors
Dr. Bill Silvers is a son of Polish Jews who survived Auschwitz and Dachau. He is also a proud Jew and a doctor, which, in part, was to honor his father’s unfilled dream of attending medical school. Even after suffering a life-altering spinal cord injury, Dr. Silvers believes that as long as you’re breathing, you can do good in the world. And for the six million Jews who endured unthinkable atrocities during the Holocaust, and even for those who encounter antisemitic attacks every day, we must come together and do good in the world.
And that is exactly what JFS does throughout our community for Holocaust survivors. But the reality is that we cannot do this critical work alone.
Awareness of the JFS Holocaust Survivor’s Assistance program has grown, and more individuals are looking to the agency to provide services that help them live with dignity and in comfort and security. However, as costs associated with age-related care continue to increase, JFS needs your help to ensure that this vulnerable population receives consistent care and assistance in creating a robust support system for them and their families.
Last year, JFS helped 155 survivors, and this year, they expect to serve 190 clients* into 2026 with:
Care management and consultation
Counseling
In-home services
Community-based programs
Holocaust survivor assistance
*Funding from the Claims Conference will only support 130 clients, so the financial deficit JFS is facing to support the anticipated number of survivors is more than $1 million. Moreover, funding will help JFS move survivors off the waitlist, so they can immediately receive support services.
JFS also advocates for survivors throughout the application process and recertification to ensure they receive the financial restitution to which they are entitled through the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. We must raise matching funds for the Claims Conference to show that our community is invested in the well-being of our survivors, and we cannot do this without your support.
Now is the time for you to choose compassion over hate and generosity over unmet needs for our local Holocaust survivors. Please donate so this remarkable group can lessen their worries while receiving the care they deserve.