Each year, Holocaust Community Services hosts a Passover Seder for Holocaust Survivors in the Chicago area. Traditionally, students from our community help lead the service. This year, the event took place at BJBE in Deerfield, with approximately 200 Survivors and their families in attendance.

Not only did the students lead the Seder, but they also sat at tables with Survivors, listening to and learning from their powerful stories. Participating in the Seder is a true mitzvah—nothing brings more hope to Survivors than seeing the next generation carrying on Jewish traditions after all they endured simply for being Jewish.

Henna noted:

“Nothing makes me happier than spending time with Holocaust Survivors. It is amazing listening to their stories and hearing about their journey through life. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to connect with them and help keep their stories alive—because everyone needs to know what they went through. I will forever be grateful and remember this past Passover Seder.”

Noa shared:

“Participating in the Seder gave me a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust. I learned the stories of Survivors who came from the same places as my family. Hearing personal stories of children who survived gives me hope and courage for our future. It is our responsibility to carry on their stories and pass them from one generation to the next. This Seder was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Sophie added:

“The Survivor Seder was powerful because we got to lead the Seder and then go around the room to hear people's stories. We learned about the many different ways people were impacted by the Holocaust—whether they survived or lost loved ones—and how they continued to live and persevere.”

A special thank you to all the students who participated in this incredible event:

Henna
AJ
Zoe
Ethan
Avi
Rafi
Sophie
Noa
Grady
Chase
Sebastian
Asher
Eden
Soli