On June 12 and June 17, Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) proudly hosted its third annual Holocaust Survivor Day Celebrations in Cherry Hill and Vineland, respectively — moving tributes to the resilience, legacy, and enduring spirit of Holocaust Survivors in our community. These annual gatherings are part of a global movement to honor Survivors not only for surviving unimaginable atrocities, but for the courage, strength, and wisdom they displayed in rebuilding their lives.
Each celebration began with heartfelt remarks from JFCS Associate Executive Directors Melanie Stoopler and Jill Hammel, who reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed care that honors each Survivor’s unique experience. They paid tribute to the extraordinary bravery of Survivors, highlighting their profound example of choosing hope, humanity, and healing in the face of profound darkness. JFCS also underscored its role as more than a social service agency — but as a family. One that walks alongside Survivors with deep compassion, cultural sensitivity, and respect.
These meaningful events were made possible through the dedication of JFCS staff — Gail Belfer, Wendy Alter, Rivka Shakow, Donna Lymper, and Jamila Kulov — and the generous support of many community partners and funders: Seed the Dream Foundation, Jewish Community Foundation, Kavod SHEF, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Jewish Federations of North America, Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, the Raymond & Gertrude R. Saltzman Foundation, Jewish Federation of Cumberland, Gloucester & Salem Counties, and Beth Israel Congregation.
Holocaust Survivor Day is more than a commemoration — it is a call to action. While Survivors are our greatest teachers, the responsibility to carry their stories forward belongs to all of us. JFCS remains deeply committed to honoring that responsibility and looks forward to continuing this sacred tradition in the years to come — with gratitude, reverence, and enduring care.
