NEW YORK – More than 200 Holocaust survivors gathered at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park, lending their voices in a show of support for those taken hostage during the savage October 7th terror attack and their families.
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The event was the brainchild of Jack Simony, director general of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, who passed by a display of support for the hostages and began thinking of the powerful symbolism of having 240 Holocaust survivors holding pictures of those who were taken captive by Hamas in Southern Israel. Having collaborated previously with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Coney Island on a project to teach military cadets how hatred led to the Holocaust, Simony reached out to the organization once again, with the event pulled together in the span of just 48 hours.
Numerous elected officials came to hear the Holocaust survivors share their thoughts on the brazen displays of hatred that have erupted during the ongoing war. Among those in attendance were Congressman Daniel Goldman, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Senator Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, Assemblyman Sam Berger, City Councilman Eric Dinowitz, City Councilmember Julie Menin and Israel Consul General Aviv Ezra. German Deputy Counsel General Carsten Ruepke came out strongly in condemnation of what he described as “Hamas’ act of inhumanity.” Acknowledging that he represents a country that bears the historic responsibility of annihilating six million Jews with an ultimate goal of eradicating Jewish life in Europe, Ruepke’s pledge of Germany’s firm solidarity with Israel was impactful.
“It is not easy to put into words what it means to me that so many Holocaust survivors are present here today in a show of solidarity with the hostages taken on October 7th,” said Ruepke. “You all have my deepest respect and admiration – never again. To me, as a German, it is hard to describe what it feels like knowing that the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors are currently being held hostage by terrorists in Gaza.”
Describing the ongoing war as an existential fight for Israel’s survival, Goldman spoke of growing up knowing about anti-Semitic hatred and violence in a historical context.
“But now, for the first time in my lifetime, we are living through it,” said Goldman. “We are living through a horrific terrorist attack that killed so many, but has broken all of our hearts.”
The event, a collaboration between the Auschwitz Jewish Center and the JCCGCI in partnership with the Claims Conference, Museum of Jewish Heritage, Selfhelp, Nachas Health, Bikur Cholim, and HCS Homecare, was an emotional one for Eichenstein. Eichenstein was told by some of the survivors he spoke with that the savagery in Israel and the ongoing campaign of hate was like living through the 1930s all over again.
“It was just a moving experience to be in a room with so many Holocaust survivors who have endured so much, the worst atrocities that can be committed to mankind, and 80 years later, they came out to advocate on behalf of others,” said Eichenstein.
Dana Cwaigrach, a relative of one of the hostages, took pictures to send to the hostages’ families in Israel.
“I can’t even tell you what today means,” said Cwaigrach. “The fact that Holocaust survivors are here supporting the families, supporting this cause, it means the world to them.”
Also taking pictures throughout the event was photographer Gillan Laub. Given the logistical difficulties of trying to photograph over 200 elderly people in a single shot, Laub took pictures of the survivors holding hostage signs in smaller groups. Hudi Falik, contract manager for the JCCGCI’s Holocaust Survivors Support Systems, said that the pictures will be combined into a single iconic photograph, with plans in place for it to be displayed at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
In addition to showing support for hostages and their families, the event was particularly meaningful to the Holocaust survivors in attendance, many of whom have been triggered by the knowledge that Jews are once again being targeted and slaughtered. Coming together with their fellow survivors during a trying time, and hearing statements of support from elected officials and from a representative of the German government, was also empowering for the Holocaust survivors.
“They were sad to be there but at the same time, proud to be representing,” said Aliza Kelman, supervisor of Holocaust Survivor Case Management at JCCGCI. “Multiple speakers spoke about how resilient they were, how they built successful lives and families, and how we are turning to them for light in this dark moment.”
Describing the event as a spark of hope during an extremely difficult time, JCCGCI Executive Director Rabbi Moshe Wiener praised the Holocaust survivors for doing their part to raise awareness for those who remain in captivity.
“The message they sent today was a powerful one of unity and solidarity with the hostages and their families,” said Rabbi Weiner. “Holocaust survivors are a living, breathing symbol of fortitude and strength, and a reminder that with every horror inflicted upon us, the Jewish nation endures.”