This beautiful "Honoring our Heroes" event brought together about 120 community members, state representatives and dignitaries and most importantly, 16 Holocaust survivors who were there for inspiration, and to demonstrate the kind of light that they are for the world.

 

The United States has about 39,000 survivors living today, with Florida, being one of the largest three communities of Holocaust Survivors in the world.

 

Holocaust Heroes Worldwide's (HHW) mission is to care for and empower these Survivors while combating antisemitism and hatred through education. 

 

As you may recall from the November 2023 cover feature, Deborah is the founder of the unifying platform ‘Tikun Talks’ with the mission to build bridges of connection, “...one conversation at a time". As a granddaughter of two holocaust survivors, she has been active in holocaust education. That’s why it was important for her to empower her community with the important work HHW is doing in South Florida. One aspect of focus for the gathering was to increase awareness, support, resources and enrollment for their unique group volunteering "Tribe Project” program.  TTP’s focus is creating and facilitating meaningful long lasting relationships for the Survivors in ways which help them deal with the challenges of loneliness.

 

The evening centered on both the social and educational work which HHW does and expressing the urgency and challenge that Jewish people presently feel, with the war in Israel, and the significant rise of antisemitism worldwide.

 

During the evening, HHW gave the "Messenger of Hope” Award to both Carlos Anaya and Deborah Apeloig for their significant work in portraying the Voices of the Jewish and especially Israelis, standing up to antisemitism, and promoting unity and connection. 

 

Anaya, an influencer who has reached approx. 100 million people in the Latino community through different platforms, has been featuring and sharing since October 7 the Voices of Israelis and the impact of the war on Israel and the Jewish People. "We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, advocating for peace and unity in Israel while condemning all forms of antisemitism." ~ Anaya.

 

Anaya’s HHW award reception was featured in Times Square, on New York screens - one way of sharing the messages of HHW in times when these are most needed.

 

“We are grateful to have this opportunity to reach the beautiful community of Golden Beach” said Moran Alfasi, HHW Founder. “The Jewish people today are at a crossroads both in Israel and abroad - we see antisemitism rising and we know we must stand up to it. This is our job to speak up - for us, our families and for future generations. Our survivors, even in their advanced ages, are standing up, sharing their stories and these painful memories with people from all walks of life to make sure that the world will remember and it will never happen again.  In HHW, we have the privilege also of making sure that these Survivors’ senior years will be honorable and joyful, as they deserve. This is an incredible Merit and an opportunity to do the right thing.”

 

Both the social and educational work of Holocaust Heroes Worldwide are time-essential.

 

This organization is in need of volunteers, and the experience of joining a Tribe is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, it is convenient for Golden Beach residents as there are many survivors in the Hallandale area. Should you have an interest in exploring involvement via support, sponsoring our programs, volunteering or learning more on our signature events, please contact us: