Lighting the way: South Florida honors Holocaust survivors during holiday season

Each and every Holocaust survivor alive today is a miracle of our time.

And since Hanukkah is a time for celebration and remembering the miracles of the past, organizations throughout South Florida honored these survivors during the holiday season — hosting events for them to gather, enjoy and revel in community support.

Child Survivors/Hidden Children of the Holocaust, a Palm Beach County-based nonprofit group, hosted a luncheon for survivors on Dec. 7 that highlighted Jewish culture with music and words. About 100 people filled the venue, an audience of young and old, at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County in Boca Raton.

“We should be proud of the environment we’ve made in Boca and in South Palm Beach County,” Igor Alterman, the federation’s president and CEO, told the audience. “[And] continue to be proud Jews.”

Among the guests of honor was Herman Haller, 101, the oldest survivor in the group, who recited the Hamotzi in front of the crowd before cutting the challah with the support of his daughter, Heidi.

Student volunteers from Donna Klein Jewish Academy were on-hand to help, and one, sophomore Rachael Elisha, spoke on the importance of mitzvot and giving back.

“Even the smallest actions can spark a light around us,” she said.

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Youth volunteers pose for a photo during an annual Hanukkah celebration for Holocaust Survivors at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County in Boca Raton, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. The event features entertainment, traditional Hanukkah food, and notable guests, including Igor Alterman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, who speaks to the participants. (Scott Luxor/Contributor)

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Other celebrations

Also on Dec. 7, Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS) and Miami-Dade Holocaust Survivors Inc. held their annual luncheon called Café Europa at Beth Torah Synagogue in North Miami Beach. Café Europa is part of The Claims Conference, which provides support to social agencies across the world. The name is a nod to a cafe in Stockholm that became known as a landing spot for survivors to find family and friends after World War II.

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la Wdowinski, JCS Case Manager for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program, with her client, Anna Grobman, 93. (Michele Eve Sandberg/Courtesy)

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This year, 70 survivors were in attendance to dance, celebrate and connect. One was Malka Horwitz, who at 109 is Miami-Dade County’s oldest known living survivor.

Anna Grobman, 93, recalled attending similar gatherings with her late husband, a fellow Holocaust survivor.

“It means a lot,” Grobman said. “Coming here reminds us of all the people who were affected by the war. I like coming because I used to dance with my husband and it’s a lot of fun.”

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Holocaust Survivors dancing and celebrating together at the Café Europa Luncheon; a joyful afternoon of music, movement, and community. (Rales JFS/Courtesy)

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Over 150 Holocaust survivors gathered at a similar Café Europa event on Dec. 15 at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, hosted by Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (Rales JFS). This year, three centenarians were in attendance.

“All of these survivors understand the pain and suffering of terrible tragedies, but when we come together for events like this, it proves that we can bring light into this world,” said Danielle Hartman, president and CEO of Rales JFS. “In a time when recent global tragedies remind us of the importance of unity and resilience, Café Europa stands as a powerful testament to the strength of community and the enduring value of tradition.”

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The Alpert Jewish Family Service team celebrated with survivors during the “Eat and Schmooze” event on Dec. 17, 2025. (Alpert JFS/Courtesy)

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Elsewhere in Palm Beach County, Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) hosted 90 survivors and their guests for an “Eat and Schmooze” event. The Dec. 17 lunch at Temple Beth Tikvah in Greenacres included traditional Hanukkah dishes and entertainment.

“‘Eat and Schmooze’ offered us an opportunity to shine a light on those who endured humanity’s darkest days,” said Elaine Rotenberg, chief clinical and impact officer at Alpert JFS. “Their resilience serves as a powerful reminder of why we must confront hate and antisemitism, stand proudly in our Jewish identity, and support one another as a community.”