Ten of the 20 survivors attending the program.

Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York hosted “Celebrating Survivors: Their Bravery. Their Sacrifices.” Their Lives.” on Monday, June 9.

Zoria Dobkina, survivor.

One hundred people attended, including survivors, their families, and members of the community —including 20 who identify as “second generation” (their parents were survivors). The program featured a short program featuring survivors’ recollections of their escapes and their resilience.

Jane Ginsburg, JFS president and CEO, Ruth Facher Mendel, survivor, Ruth’s daughter, Lisa A. Finkle, JFS board member.

Dr. Zoria Dobkina, age 96, who uses a cane, insisted on standing proudly as she shared her family’s story of living in Moscow before fleeing to the United States. Her son, Michael Parizh, rounded out the family story with his own tale of “saving” by the late local survivor Carl Rosner. Ruth Facher Mendel, age 94 was accompanied by her daughter, Lisa A. Finkle, and relayed her family’s escape from Luxembourg when she was nine years old. Local architect Dan Dembling showcased renderings of the planned Holocaust memorial and updated those attending on its progress. Other speakers included Rabbi Ben Kean, and Mindy Holland who representing the Federation and its commitment to communal support, much of which is done through JFS services.

According to JFS organizers, an array of supportive services for survivors in this area are available. KAVOD-SHEF, funded in large part by Seed the Dream Foundation, in partnership with the Federation have committed to providing over $20,000 in emergency financial support to help survivors live safely and with dignity. The fund helps pay for and coordinate a variety of services including  dental care, hearing aids and  stove repair. JFS plans to raise $10,000 in 2025, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by KAVOD-SHEF.  Individuals who would like to support the JFS survivor assistance programs may go to the website, jfsneny.org/donations or call 518-482-48856, ext. 2