Holocaust survivors from across Queens gathered for a “Coffee House” celebration hosted by Selfhelp Community Services on Wednesday, June 4, marking Holocaust Survivor Day.
Held as part of Selfhelp’s ongoing mission to support aging Holocaust survivors in New York City, the Forest Hills event brought together dozens of survivors—many of them now in their 80s and 90s—to reconnect over a shared history and celebrate their strength and stories in a joyful, dignified setting.
The gathering was attended by local elected officials and representatives, including Council Member Lynn Schulman and staff from the offices of State Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assembly Members Andrew Hevesi and Nily Rozic. Volunteers from AS Beauty helped serve coffee and even danced with attendees. AS Beauty also generously provided gift bags for every survivor in attendance.
“Coffee Houses allow survivors to connect with those who understand their experiences,” said Katie Foley, Managing Director of External Affairs for Selfhelp. “Social isolation among this vulnerable population is on the rise. Coming together is an important way to keep people connected to their community. On Holocaust Survivor Day, we were proud to host volunteers, community members, and elected officials.”
Founded in 1936 to assist Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, Selfhelp Community Services has grown into one of the largest and most prominent organizations supporting Holocaust survivors in North America. Today, Selfhelp serves more than 5,400 Holocaust survivors—many living in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx—providing a range of services tailored to their needs. Many survivors live alone and face not only aging-related health issues but also the psychological scars of trauma and displacement.
The June 4 event was part of a global initiative to recognize Holocaust Survivor Day, established in recent years to center the experiences and legacies of survivors, rather than solely focusing on the tragedy of the Holocaust itself. While International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) honors the memory of those lost, Holocaust Survivor Day celebrates the courage, perseverance and humanity of those who survived and rebuilt their lives.
As the world nears 80 years since the end of World War II, the number of living Holocaust survivors continues to decline rapidly. According to a report, public understanding of the Holocaust has weakened, and 1 in 5 young Americans either believe the Holocaust is a myth or are unsure it happened, raising alarm among historians, educators and survivor advocacy organizations.
Selfhelp’s Coffee House events have become a critical resource for combating this erosion of awareness. Supported by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), UJA-Federation of New York, and other generous partners, these gatherings offer survivors emotional support, cultural enrichment, and most importantly, connection.
