Dear Friends and Family,

For our mitzvah project, we have decided to support Anachnu, an organization under the Schoke Jewish Family Service, that provides support groups, holiday gatherings, performances, and emergency assistance for medical needs to Holocaust survivors in southern Connecticut.

Helping these survivors is particularly important to us because three of our great grandparents survived the Holocaust. One struggled to survive in Nazi concentration camps, while two other endured in hiding. They were involved in the worst of the Holocaust and the sacrifices that they made are unimaginable to us who lead such fortunate lives. We are fully aware that if they hadn’t survived, we wouldn’t be here.

Today, there are only about 80,000 Holocaust survivors alive in the United States, and sadly about a third of them live in poverty. That is a terrible statistic, especially when taking into account they had to bear one of the greatest oppressions in history.

Anachnu serves 120 Holocaust survivors in Fairfield county, of which 33 are in financial need. These survivors struggle on a regular basis and do not have the means for a weekly Shabbat meal. Therefore, we have decided to donate a portion of our B’nai Mitzvah gifts and additionally help raise money to make sure all local survivors in need receive kosher Shabbat meals for a full year.

Every Friday night since we were born we have celebrated Shabbat with our family. This weekly tradition has been so important to us – no matter what is going on in our busy schedules our family comes together and celebrates Shabbat as our ancestors have before us. It has served as a reminder of our Jewish heritage as well as the importance of family.

We couldn’t have chosen a more meaningful organization to donate to on our B’nai Mitzvah. For generations and generations, the men in our family have had Bar Mitzvahs and it is an honor to stand here and continue this significant Jewish ritual.

We encourage you to help us raise funds for Anachnu. A donation of as low as $18 is enough to provide a meal to one survivor in need.

If you wish to contribute, see options below.

From,
Eitan, Eli and Asher Rosen

About the Anachnu program at Schoke JFS

With outreach to over 100 Holocaust survivors in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Anachnu provides opportunities for survivors to find social connections and financial aid. With holiday gatherings, performance events and day trips to enrich daily life, and support groups and emergency assistance for home repairs and medical needs, Holocaust survivors across Fairfield County can count on this resource when help is needed.

In addition to social isolation programming, Schoke JFS ensures that all Holocaust survivors who would otherwise not be able to put food on their table, receive Kosher, healthy and sustaining meals delivered right to their doors by dedicated volunteers.

Help Eitan, Eli and Asher reach their goal to cover the cost of all these delivered meals for an entire year.

Check out the video below and hear directly from a holocaust survivor on how Schoke Jewish Family Service has helped her.