Caring for Holocaust Survivors During COVID-19
Nothing keeps Alpert JFS from caring for our Holocaust Survivors.
While Holocaust Survivors in central and northern Palm Beach County have counted on JFS’ for a wide array of services, from meal delivery and companionship to counseling, support groups, transportation, respite care, psychiatry and more since 1974, they are now relying on the agency even more, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have been delivering increased home services, kosher meals, gift cards to take a bite out of additional food costs, and personal protective equipment (PPE) as coronavirus impacts lives around the corner and the world.
“Our mission to help people during the challenging times in their lives has become even more essential during the troubled times we’re experiencing during COVID-19,” said Holocaust Program Coordinator Eva Weiss, who is one of the care managers on the team of seven professionals dedicated to preserving the dignity of survivors of the Shoah, addressing their distinct social welfare, health care, and emotional needs with the utmost sensitivity. “We are here for our clients at all times, trying to meet their needs and help them stay independent and healthy.”
Unfortunately, four of our Holocaust Survivor clients contracted coronavirus. We were able to assist with funeral costs for a client who succumbed to the disease; may their memory be for a blessing.
Max Markovitz who, along with his wife, survived COVID-19, said “The Alpert JFS Holocaust Survivors Assistance program is doing more than its duty to meet the needs of Survivors in our community. Some people talk about the Holocaust and helping Survivors, but they are really doing a great job. They’re not only meeting our physical needs, but also reaching out and offering emotional support. As my wife and I continue to recuperate from coronavirus, we are grateful for the emotional and practical support we’ve received.”
Partnering with Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Service in Boca Raton, who are there for Holocaust Survivors in the county’s southern communities, we are able to provide more than 600,000 hours of in-home care and nearly 900 Survivors in the greater Palm Beaches. Thanks to a combined total of $14 million towards our work from the Claims Conference (The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany), we offer the largest coordinated assistance effort for Holocaust Survivors in South Florida!
“I am proud to say that we were instrumental in finding the Holocaust Survivors in our midst 25 years ago, to provide them with care and support for their daily living needs,” said Alpert CEO Marc Hopin. “We have always been here for our Holocaust Survivors, and always will be!”
For more information on our Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program, call 561-684-1991 or click here.
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