Hazzan Mizrahi Entertains 150 at Holocaust Community Services Concert

By Ann Lubin, Community Services Program Consultant

Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi greets audience members after his performance.

Over 150 Holocaust survivors, some with adult children and grandchildren in tow, flocked on a rainy afternoon to hear Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi. Sponsored by JCFS’s Holocaust Community Services, this program is just one of many social programs for survivors offered throughout the year. “These programs provide a much needed opportunity for aging survivors to be together, whether or not they talk directly about their Holocaust experiences,” said Audrey Cantor, Director of Holocaust Community Services. 

Dipping into his musical repertoire that spans nine languages, Hazzan Mizrahi, the Cantor at Anshe Emet Synagogue, sang songs in Hebrew, English, his native Greek, Italian and Spanish, though by far the most popular songs were those sung in Yiddish. A rousing rendition of Tum Balalaika had nearly everyone clapping their hands and singing along. Hazzan Mizrahi acknowledged a particular kinship with this community as a son of Holocaust survivors himself. This made the day even more meaningful to those in attendance. 

For more information about Holocaust Community Services and services to the survivor community, please call Audrey Cantor at 847-568-5151.

Holocaust Community Services (HCS) is a collaborative effort of Jewish Child & Family Services, CJE SeniorLife and Jewish Federation in partnership with HIAS Chicago. HCS is supported by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Inc., private foundations and individual donors. We are a partner in serving the community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation.