The Philadelphia Story
Our group came into existence in 1985,as a direct result
of a workshop for Child Survivors organized by Dr. Judith Kestenberg for
the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors. Like Dr. Sarah Moskovitz
before her, Dr Kestenberg saw this as an opportunity for child Survivors
on the East Coast to come together.There were about 60 of us at this emotionally
overwhelming meeting, and when it was over we could not part. The air conditioning
had been turned off, the building was being emptied, and still we stood
there, talking, taking each other's names and phone numbers.
Very soon thereafter our group began meeting in our homes. For many
months at each meeting we would go around the room, introducing ourselves
and telling as little or as much of our story of survival as we were able.
We soon found that we could share with each other what many of us had been
unable to share with anyone else, even our spouses and children. The meetings
were emotionally draining, yet it gave us a sense of relief to finally
talk of the unspeakable horrors we had seen and experienced, and to be
able to do so surrounded by others who could understand and share in that
pain.
Some deep and lasting friendships formed among the members; we have
been there to support each other through sickness and grief, as well as
to celebrate happy events.
We have been involved in documenting our experiences and are active
participants in the Youth Symposium, an annual 3 day event in Philadelphia
when High School students spend a whole day learning about the Holocaust
and interacting with survivors. Many of us also speak at schools and colleges
in the area.
About a year into our existence we contacted other newly-emerging chapters
in New York, Boston, and Baltimore/Washington to join us for a Passover
lunch, and some time later for a picnic.Thus began our annual get-togethers
and conferences, which eventually led to the formation of the Federation. |