As we approach January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we are called to reflect on the past and commit to action for the future. This day is not just a reminder of history; it is a call to honor the memory of those who perished, stand with survivors, and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Here in Jewish Atlanta, we are deeply committed to supporting Holocaust survivors in our community and around the world. Through vital services and programs, we work to help survivors live with dignity, comfort, and the care they deserve. At the same time, we are steadfast in promoting Holocaust education—empowering future generations with knowledge and understanding to combat hatred and foster compassion.
None of this work would be possible without philanthropists like you. Your partnership and trust in the Atlanta Jewish Foundation enable us to build a community rooted in remembrance, resilience, and responsibility. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful mission. Together, we are honoring the past and shaping a brighter, more compassionate future.
Lindsay
In a world where the echoes of history risk fading into the background, Cherie Aviv has emerged as a steadfast advocate for Holocaust survivors in Greater Atlanta. As the founder of Federation’s Holocaust Survivor Support Fund (HSSF), Cherie’s work is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and commitment to preserving dignity in the face of unimaginable loss.
Cherie Aviv’s journey to founding HSSF in 2016 was deeply personal. Inspired by her mother-in-law’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor from Hungary, compounded with a meaningful Federation trip to Israel where she visited Yad Vashem, Cherie recognized the pressing need to address shortfalls in funding from the Claims Conference, a nonprofit organization that works to provide justice for Holocaust survivors. While financial support from the Claims Conference provides crucial assistance, Holocaust survivors still have unmet needs, especially in homecare.
“For many survivors, language barriers and poverty compound the trauma they’ve endured,” Cherie explains. “We created a safety net that ensures survivors in need live their remaining years with dignity, and their health, medical, or financial challenges are addressed.”
Today, from all sources of funds, critical services are provided to approximately 182 Holocaust survivors in Georgia, via Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS). HSSF also extends its reach beyond Georgia, offering support to survivors in other Southeastern states through a regional program managed by JF&CS. 52% of the survivors supported are on Medicaid.
Eighty-five percent of these survivors hail from the former Soviet Union, where they endured not only the Holocaust, but also decades of communist oppression. This initiative helps ensure that survivors in need receive:
Homecare: HSSF supports survivors’ independence by enabling them to age in place. In 2023 alone, 250,906 homecare hours were provided from all sources of funds for survivors in Georgia and regional programs.
Food Assistance: HSSF provides grocery gift cards to help with grocery purchases and incontinent supplies and assists with home-delivered meals (approximately 2,400 a year). 47% of the survivors HSSF support receive food stamps.
Medical and Dental Aid: HSSF addresses health needs often deferred due to financial constraints. Over 53 survivors received dental assistance in 2023.
Prescription Assistance: HSSF provides medication support and additional resources to improve quality of life.
Stories like that of Maya, a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor from Ukraine, underscore the importance of this work. When Medicaid’s limitations on homecare hours left her vulnerable, HSSF stepped in, to provide additional homecare she needed to stay at home safely. HSSF, also helped by doubling the amount of her home-delivered meals, and repairing her donated hearing aids to help her reconnect with others.
The success of HSSF lies in its collaborative approach. Partnerships with organizations like JF&CS and Jewish HomeLife, have been instrumental in delivering much needed services, engaging volunteers, and raising awareness. “This work isn’t done in isolation,” Cherie emphasizes. “It’s a community effort. Together, we’ve been able to meet survivors’ needs holistically, from daily care to covering funeral expenses, as a final act of respect.”
After Hurricane Milton devastation, HSSF, along with an emergency assistance allocation from Jewish Federation, HSSF provided funds to help a survivor severely impacted by the disaster. The dollars provided temporary housing, food, and essential care until this survivor could regain stability. Such efforts exemplify how collective action can uplift those in need.
While HSSF’s impact is immense, there are also growing challenges that it faces, such as the rising cost of homecare in a competitive market for caregivers. In addition, there is a significant emotional toll of current global events, including the conflict in Ukraine, rising antisemitism, and anti-Israel activity, which often triggers trauma for survivors.
“Survivors often ask, ‘How is this happening again?’” shares Anat Granath, Georgia manager for Holocaust Survivor Services at JF&CS. HSSF’s emotional support is thus all the more critical.
One of Cherie’s key goals is to dispel misconceptions about survivors. Many imagine them as well-supported by reparations, but the reality is often starkly different. Poverty, isolation, and health issues are pervasive.
“These are individuals who’ve endured unimaginable horrors,” Cherie shares. “The least we can do is ensure they live their final years with the care and respect they deserve.”
Stories like David’s highlight HSSF’s direct impact. An 89-year-old survivor from Russia, David’s transition to Georgia left him waiting for Medicaid approval. HSSF stepped in to cover adult daycare and homecare services, ensuring he had the assistance necessary to maintain his independence.
Cherie also collaborates with volunteers like Emily Yehezkel, who leads an initiative called 3GATL to engage grandchildren of survivors. Programs such as assembly of Passover gift bags and storytelling events foster meaningful intergenerational connections.
“We go beyond just supporting survivors. We also do our best to give survivors opportunities to engage with the community through special social programming. Through this we enrich their lives, and ensure their legacy continues,” Cherie says. “Their resilience and courage are inspiring lessons for all of us.”
As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, the urgency of this work grows. Cherie remains steadfast in her mission to expand HSSF’s reach and engage younger generations in honoring survivors’ stories. Initiatives such as intergenerational engagement, and volunteer engagement/educational events are at the forefront of this effort.
“We’re building a bridge between the past and the future,” Cherie reflects. “By supporting survivors today, we’re shaping a world that never forgets.”
On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, HSSF’s work reminds us that the past is not just history—it’s a call to action. Through Cherie Aviv’s vision and the community’s collective effort, Holocaust survivors are finding hope, dignity, and a voice that will echo for generations to come.
To contribute to HSSF through your donor-advised fund, please reach out to Ghila Sanders at gsanders@jewishatlanta.org.
When Emily Yehezkel moved to Atlanta three years ago, she saw an opportunity to fill a gap in Holocaust education that she was uniquely positioned to address. Inspired by her grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, Emily founded 3GATL in November 2023. Her mission is powerful: to connect the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and empower them to preserve their families’ legacies while fostering a deeper connection to their heritage.
Growing up in New York, Emily was immersed in Holocaust education. Her family’s involvement, particularly her grandfather’s courage in sharing his story, shaped her understanding of history and identity. However, it wasn’t until she encountered 3GNY —dedicated to supporting and connecting the third generation of survivors (3Gs)—that she realized the power of shared experiences among peers.
“When I moved to Atlanta, I took time to understand the Jewish community here,” Emily shared. “There are incredible resources for Holocaust remembrance, but I noticed a missing link in engaging the third generation. We needed a space where 3Gs could come together, share their stories, and learn how to carry this torch forward.”
As one of the newest recipients of the Federation’s Innovation Initiative grant, 3GATL has gained vital resources and support to grow its mission. The initiative not only provides funding but also offers an incubation model, connecting grantees with skilled volunteers, expert consultations, and tailored philanthropy planning through partnerships with Catchafire and the Alloy Foundation.
“Starting 3GATL has been an honor,” Emily said. “Our community is looking to connect with each other and honor their grandparents’ legacies in real, meaningful ways. It is such a great group of grandchildren and even children of survivors. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for our group!”
For participants like Lilli Jennison, 3GATL’s mission is deeply personal:
“Being part of 3GATL is a profound honor. My grandfather survived the Holocaust, and while it was often too painful for him to share his experiences, this group allows me to carry his legacy forward. Connecting with other third-generation survivors, honoring our families’ stories, and supporting the survivor community fills me with purpose and deep gratitude.”
3GATL has already organized meaningful programs, such as a Daffodil planting ceremony to honor children lost in the Holocaust and a 45-person dinner in partnership with Federation’s Holocaust Survivor Support Fund, Eternal-Life Hemshech, and the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust.
“These events are about more than gathering,” Emily explained. “They’re about connection—among 3Gs, with survivors, and with the broader Jewish community. It’s about showing that while our grandparents’ stories are personal, their lessons are universal.”
In partnership with the Federation’s Holocaust Survivor Support Fund, 3GATL has also engaged in acts of service, like assembling Passover care packages for local survivors. For many participants, these efforts resonate deeply, as their own grandparents are no longer alive to share their experiences firsthand.
For Emily, the work is personal. “My grandfather’s story is one of survival and resilience,” she reflected. “He taught me that remembering is not enough; we must act. We must ensure these stories are not just history but a call to build a better future.”
As International Holocaust Remembrance Day approaches, Emily’s work with 3GATL is a reminder of the power of community and memory. By connecting grandchildren of survivors, she’s creating a ripple effect—ensuring that their grandparents’ legacies inspire not only their families but future generations as well.
Through her vision, dedication, and the support of the Federation’s Innovation Initiative, Emily Yehezkel is transforming remembrance into action, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide us toward a more compassionate future.
Welcome Katie Busch: Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s New Director of Strategic Philanthropy!
Katie Busch joins the Atlanta Jewish Foundation with over 30 years of experience in marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, and alumni relations. She retired from Emory University in October 2024 after nearly two decades of service, where she held leadership roles, including Executive Director of International Advancement and Assistant Dean for Development at the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies.
At Emory, Katie spearheaded global engagement initiatives, managed a network of international volunteer leaders, and collaborated with university leadership to advance Emory’s global research.
Before Emory, Katie consulted for hospitals and NCI-designated Cancer Centers and held fundraising and marketing roles at organizations like the Arthritis Foundation, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Atlanta Botanical Garden. She also served as Executive Director of the National Council of Jewish Women’s Atlanta chapter and remains an active volunteer leader in the Atlanta nonprofit community.
A proud Ohio University alumna, Katie is a frequent conference presenter and member of professional organizations. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, dog Archie, and their two children—Jake, an Emory graduate, and Sarah, a current Emory student.
Welcome, Katie!
Am Yisrael Chai is committed to Holocaust Education and to learning through action for today’s world and future generations. Each year, they bring Holocaust Survivors to the Atlanta community—and digitally around the world—so they may share their stories, their connections to others during the war, and the impact they have had since the war. This way they can help others remember the past and reach for the future.
Eternal Life-Hemshech is a non-profit organization founded by local Atlanta Holocaust Survivors. Today the Survivors, their descendants, and friends continue the legacy of Hemshech’s founders through education, remembrance, and awareness.
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Thursday, March 6, 2025
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