Now more than ever, personalized advice matters
Holocaust Survivors in Our Community
Now more than ever, personalized advice matters
By Julie Loftis
They are not numbers in a history book. They are our neighbors. Our grandparents. Our parents. Our siblings. Our friends who sit beside us at community events and quietly carry stories that shaped the course of their lives and of Jewish history.
Today, Jewish Family Services( JFS) works with 41 Holocaust survivors across the Charlotte community. Currently, only one was imprisoned in a concentration camp. The others survived in different, equally harrowing ways, including fleeing their homes as children, hiding in strangers’ houses for months or years, moving through forests and across mountains in search of safety, and living under assumed names with families who risked everything to shelter them.
Many of them fled the former Soviet Union as children, experiencing displacement long before they eventually resettled in the United States. Some grew up unable to practice Judaism openly. Others spent formative years hiding, separated from extended family, navigating fear and uncertainty before they were old enough to understand it. Their paths to survival were different, yet each story reflects extraordinary resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
For many in our community, JFS is the primary point of connection and support. In some cases, we are the very first call when a Holocaust survivor relocates to Charlotte to be closer to family. We help them acclimate by connecting them with resources, guiding them through complex systems, and ensuring they feel welcomed rather than alone.
Our support is both practical and deeply personal. JFS works closely with partners such as Jewish Family & Career Services in Atlanta to help those eligible survivors access home care hours and other critical services funded through the Claims Conference. We assist with applications for German reparations as well as medical bill reimbursements. We also guide individuals who may not yet be connected to available compensation programs through the eligibility process. But the work does not stop at paperwork.
We meet one-on-one with these people to understand their unique needs, preferences, and interests. We advocate on their behalf. We connect them to transportation, in-home care, counseling, and community programs. Many are paired with friendly visitors, leading to relationships that grow into meaningful bonds of companionship for both survivors and volunteers. These visits often become the highlight of someone’ s week: a shared cup of coffee, a story retold, and laughter layered over memories.
We invite them to participate in JFS programs throughout the year. We host gatherings created specifically for Holocaust survivors and their families. When additional support is needed, JFS case managers coordinate services across departments to ensure care is comprehensive and seamless. Many have benefited from counseling services that provide space to process grief, aging, and the lasting echoes of trauma. Family members often participate in caregiver support groups, navigating the delicate balance of honoring their experiences while meeting present-day needs. As time moves forward, another important question emerges: How do we connect with the second and third generations?
Currently, JFS does not offer dedicated programming specifically for children and grandchildren of survivors, but interest is growing. Many in our community are eager for opportunities to gather, learn, and share stories across generations. This presents a meaningful opportunity to explore new initiatives to foster connection, preserve legacy, and create space for shared reflection. The desire is there. The moment may be now.
What has become crystal clear in every interaction is that survival did not end in 1945. For many, its impact continues to
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ripple across decades in health, family dynamics, and identity. Having an advocate who understands that history matters, having someone to help navigate reparations, access care, or simply listen without rushing the story serves as a profoundly meaningful element of support.
Repeatedly, these individuals and their families express deep gratitude, not only for the services provided but for the dignity with which they are offered.
Our 41 survivors are living testaments to resilience, courage, and endurance. Their stories are sacred. Their needs are real. And as long as they are here, JFS remains committed to ensuring they are supported with compassion, respect, and care. Honoring their history means standing beside them now.
JFS is interested in engaging the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. If you are a 2nd or 3rd generation living in the Charlotte community, please contact JFS at 704-364-6594 or email info @ jfscharlotte. org to learn more.
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