PRESS RELEASE: Thursday, May 29, 2025
For interviews and b-roll, contact:
Hana Cowart, Communications Manager
media@gcjfcs.org, 727-503-7856
Gulf Coast JFCS is honored to host its second annual Holocaust Survivors Luncheon, celebrating survivors, their families, and friends as we strengthen bonds across generations.
Over a span of two days in Sarasota on June 4 at The Ora and in Clearwater on June 5 at Congregation Beth Shalom, this event for Holocaust survivors and their guests fosters an atmosphere of joy, unity, and reflection on the experiences that have shaped each attendee’s journey. Now in its second year, this luncheon is not merely a commemoration of the past but a celebration of the present, the bonds formed, the communities built, and the legacies that endure.
“Holocaust Survivor Day is not merely a time to remember the past; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have faced unspeakable hardship and emerged stronger” said Marina Reed, Holocaust Survivor Program Director at Gulf Coast JFCS. “We honor their resilience, celebrate their lives, and reinforce the bonds that unite us. This day ensures their stories continue to inspire future generations, fostering a legacy of strength, unity, and hope.”
Contributions to support the Holocaust Survivor Program are warmly welcomed, ensuring that survivors can live comfortably and continue to thrive. Due to the high costs of essentials like medical and home care, survivors’ financial reserves remain of concern and are diminishing. Community support is crucial, and every act of generosity allows communities to come together and uplift one another, fostering strong bonds that will continue to be passed down from generation to generation .
According to the Claims Conference, 44% of Holocaust survivors living in the United States are now receiving social services. This number is expected to rise as this population ages.
Join Gulf Coast JFCS in honoring resilience, embracing togetherness, and relationships that will thrive for generations to come. To learn more about the Holocaust Survivor Program at Gulf Coast JFCS as a survivor in need of support or as a supporter, visit Jewish Family Services – Gulf Coast JFCS, or to donate, visit Donate Now – Gulf Coast JFCS.
ABOUT GULF COAST JFCS:
Protecting the vulnerable, strengthening families, and empowering individuals throughout the state of Florida since 1974, Gulf Coast JFCS helps the most vulnerable people throughout our community, from babies to seniors, to find safety, comfort, and a path toward a fulfilling life. To help as many people as compassionately and comprehensively as possible through complex life challenges, Gulf Coast JFCS programs span a broad human service spectrum reaching more than 30,000 people annually throughout Tampa Bay and beyond. Our programs include career development, behavioral health services, family support, and more. The outcome – lives uplifted! Additional information is available at www.GulfCoastJFCS.org
