#United States #Brooklyn #Holocaust Survivors #JCCGCI #Yom HaShoah

Launching the #iStandByYou Campaign

In a heartfelt tribute to Holocaust survivors, the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) unveiled the #iStandByYou campaign in observance of Yom HaShoah, celebrated on April 23-24. This campaign seeks to raise awareness about the ongoing needs of Holocaust survivors across the United States.

Yom HaShoah serves as a solemn remembrance day honoring the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. It is a time when communities gather to reflect on the events of the past while ensuring that the present and future will not forget this tragic chapter in history. The JCCGCI aims to foster this remembrance through impactful action and support.

Collaboration with Shulem Lemmer

An exciting aspect of this year’s campaign is the collaboration with Shulem Lemmer, a pioneering Hasidic artist who has recently been signed by Universal Music Group. He has created an original song titled “Stand By You,” which features Holocaust survivors and serves as a powerful reminder of their resilience. According to Lemmer, "I am honored to be a part of the #iStandByYou campaign... The voices of survivors must be heard, and their needs must be met."

Through this collaboration, the JCCGCI hopes to amplify the messages of support and awareness concerning the needs of the approximately 245,000 Holocaust survivors still living today, with more than 80,000 residing in the United States. Many of these individuals face significant challenges due to age and health issues, relying on support services to maintain dignity in their lives.

Raising Awareness Through Social Media

The JCCGCI encourages everyone to participate by sharing the message of the #iStandByYou campaign on social media. People across the nation will be utilizing the hashtag to demonstrate solidarity with survivors, sharing stories of hope and remembrance.

The executive director of JCCGCI, Rabbi Moshe Wiener, emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness: "This Yom HaShoah, we want to start a conversation about the fact that there are more than 245,000 Holocaust Survivors alive today... We want to share their legacy and resilience through the #iStandByYou project."

The Role of JCCGCI's Support Services

JCCGCI is equipped with one of the largest Holocaust Survivor Support Services (HSSS) programs globally, providing comprehensive care and support to over 4,000 survivors each year. Last year alone, their HSSS provided more than 1.5 million hours of homecare to survivors, facilitating essential services such as transportation, case management, and socialization opportunities.

A portion of the proceeds from the downloads of “Stand By You” will directly benefit the JCCGCI, allowing them to continue their vital work in supporting survivors. The community organization invites everyone to participate in the movement by downloading the song and sharing the message far and wide.

Join the Movement

In a world where the legacies of our past must not be forgotten, initiatives like #iStandByYou stand as a beacon of hope and a clarion call for action. This Yom HaShoah, join the JCCGCI in raising your voice, standing in solidarity with Holocaust Survivors, and celebrating their remarkable strength and resilience. For more details on getting involved or making a contribution, one can reach out to JCCGCI at [email protected].