Russian Speaking Volunteers Help Holocaust Survivors from the Former Soviet Union

 “For all the bad that happened to survivors, these volunteers made themselves available for something good”

Like many things in the world, life happens by chance, but with purpose.  Igor Litvak, a HIAS Chicago caseworker recently recalled such an experience at the volunteer driven workshop he attended to assist Russian speaking Holocaust survivors.  They were filing for restitution for the suffering they endured during WWII.

One of Igor’s clients entered the room with stacks of precious documents carefully folded, stained and well- worn with age.  In glancing at the papers, he was astonished that the woman sitting in front of him, who he had never met before, had actually lived within steps of where he had lived in Moscow.    If he had not come to this workshop, their paths may not have crossed.

Her story was like his family’s.  They were forced to flee during the War, far away to the Ural Mountains by train which took many weeks.   Food was rationed, many starved and quite often the cold was unbearable because of limited access to heat and medical care.  He could not help think that as he listened to her story and others like hers, how so many lives had instantly changed not only because of the War, but doubly because they were Jews.

Stories like these also meant alot to a group of eight young Russian-speaking volunteers who gave of their Sunday on March 26^th to do something meaningful for others.  It opened doorways to emotion, to pain, to memories of their grandparents and to the many who perished.  It reminded them of those who had survived and were burdened with the scars of losing loved ones, of having their properties confiscated and of having little opportunity to make their stories known to the world.

For Larissa, a volunteer and granddaughter of a Rabbi in Belarus who perished during the Holocaust, it was a way to honor his life and a portal to learn more about themselves and their families in the process.  “Being Jewish and providing this service to Jews makes it very special.  It brings us back to our roots.” said Larisa, who came to the workshop with her husband, Eugene and his sister Yana and her finance, Mat. “We came together to know more about who we are and what our families collectively experienced.  We came so we would not forget”.

Igor told how he usually asks the survivors he assists a similar question, “If you got this money, how would you spend it? “ There are 3 answers he commonly receives:

• “I would give it to my grandchildren”
• “I would donate it to my synagogue or a Jewish cause.  Coming to this country helped me learn about my Jewish heritage.”
• “I would travel and feel what it is like to be free.”

This story about a March, 2012 event for HIAS Chicago and Holocaust Community Services, was collected and written by Suzanne Franklin, Director of HIAS, for the JCFS Anthology Project. The Anthology project was developed as a way for JCFS employees and stakeholders to connect through the power of story.

Photo Credit:  Government Press Office on Flickr

JCFS on the Run: Terry's Story

Terry McDonough, JCFS Director of Administrative Services and Team JCFS Cheer Squad Captain says that if she can’t run, she loves cheering others on.  Terry began running nine years ago, while living in California. Terry first trained for the Chicago Marathon in 2004, but after a back injury, she only was able to complete the half. After moving back to Chicago, Terry woke up on May 1, 2010 and decided to do the 2010 in October. Her favorite training workout was running from the office at 216 W. Jackson to Montrose or Granville on Lakeshore Path.  “It was when I fell in love with Chicago.” Terry ran a very slow Marathon, but she finished, even after slipping on a banana peel at mile 20. Her doctor advised her to stop racing, but she finished up with the Rock N Roll Half Marathonin Las Vegas last year. Although Terry no longer runs, she still enjoys being out on the lakefront in Chicago and Evanston, especially on the path behind Northwestern University. She loves living three blocks from the lake, where she goes sailing in the summer.

 Terry calls the Chicago Marathonthe most “supportive” in the country. She says that everyone watching the race will be supporting the racers, shouting out the names of runners as they pass by, and cheering them on. She promises that the JCFS Cheer Squad is going to be the loudest cheering squad on October 7. On race day, Terry will be coordinate a Cheer Squad Rally Station near Mile Marker 13, which is close to the JCFS Central Office on Jackson. In the meantime, the Cheer Squad is sending weekly encouraging emails, offering support to runners at the training fun runs, and handing out snacks.

Check back herebetween now and October to read monthly updates about Team JCFS. Contact Terryto join the Team JCFS Cheer Squad. Go to Razooto support to support Team JCFS.