News & Impact

Several hundred community members gathered at San Francisco’s Jewish Community Center (SFJCC) on Sunday, April 7,  to commemorate Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day. The multigenerational participants ranged from middle school students and scholars to rabbis and Holocaust survivors. Here’s a snapshot of the day’s events, which included an art project, a reading of Holocaust victims’ names, symposia, and a worship service. San Francisco’s Yom HaShoah programs were co-sponsored by the JFCS Holocaust Center, Lehrhaus Judaica, the SFJCC, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Anti-Defamation League. Photos by Michael Krasnobrod.  … Read More

“My students don’t know about Adolf Hitler,” says Brian Jamieson, a San Francisco teacher who works with high-risk youth . That’s why Jamieson and his students have attended the JFCS Holocaust Center’s annual Day of Learning, which brings together hundreds of students, teachers, and survivors for intensive study and discussion of the Holocaust. This year, it takes place on Sun., Mar. 17, at San Francisco’s Mercy High School. “I want my students to not only understand why Hitler was bad,” he says, “but why the Holocaust is relevant today.” JFCS Holocaust Center is Northern California’s primary resource for Holocaust… Read More

Until a few years ago, when Louis, a concentration camp survivor in his late 80s, came to JFCS for assistance, he had never received the Holocaust reparations due to him. That changed quickly as Louis’ JFCS case worker helped him successfully apply for restitution claims. “The funds I receive each month make a big difference,” says Louis, who lives below the poverty line. “Otherwise, my income would not cover expenses.” In addition to benefiting from JFCS’ Holocaust Reparations Program, Louis now receives daily kosher meals through JFCS’ Food Programs. “If it weren’t for these meals, I don’t know… Read More

Our travel portion of the journey has concluded, but our experiences and memories will always be with us. Below are reflections from the final days of the Legacy Tour. July 10, 2012 Yesterday we traveled southwest in the direction of Tel Aviv. One the way we visited a unique farming program that educates groups on agriculture in Israel. I learned that Israel farms in the sand which is amazing and that the state has patented a few agricultural techniques. We were treated to fresh carrots that we plucked from the earth and tomatoes off the vine… all were delicious.  A… Read More

July 8, 2012 Today, we went to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. It was absolutely magnificent and well thought out. The museum focused on the remembrance of the unnamed victims of the Holocaust. We had the opportunity to explore on our own and fill our heads with so much information. The countless photos of people before the Holocaust had a particular impact on me, because you could see the souls of the people. Their personality and humanity was crystal clear through those photos.After spending about four hours there, we had a discussion with Gil Hoffman, a political journalist with the Jerusalem… Read More

After our first few days in Jerusalem I can honestly say it feels like we have been here forever…. like coming home again. Enjoy our photos and reflections… tomorrow we venture south to the Negev and then on to Tel Aviv.  You will notice the introduction of some beautiful photography taken by Alex, Legacy Tour college fellow. Quite impressive!  July 7, 2012 Israel- the final leg of our journey. When we landed in Tel Aviv, we recited the Shehekianu, a prayer for new beginnings. Being here is certainly a new experience for all of us! In Poland and Germany we… Read More