Arizona Tribune - Mayoral Proclamation Declares January 27th "The Blue Card Holocaust Survivor Day"

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 27, 2025 / In recognition of The Blue Card's critical mission in assisting elderly Holocaust survivors across the country who are struggling to take care of basic needs, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has declared January 27th as "The Blue Card Holocaust Survivor Day."

The day coincides with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, designated by the United Nations to mark the 1945 liberation of the deadly Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. It serves as a time to reflect on the lives of six million Jews and millions of others lost to Nazi persecution and to promote Holocaust education.

Initially established in Nazi Germany in 1934 and incorporated in New York in 1943, The Blue Card has worked tirelessly over the decades to ensure that a population that experienced the unspeakable can live out their remaining years with dignity and respect. By providing direct financial, medical and emotional assistance, some 1900 NYC Holocaust survivors now between the ages of 79 and 105 - the majority of whom live alone and below the Federal poverty line - can afford to pay their rent, get adequate nutrition and receive necessary healthcare.

The organization is a lifeline, stepping in when hardships threaten, looking after survivors' overall well-being and providing a community bond. Sometimes it's as simple as helping nonagenarian Eva pay for food, giving 90-year-old Marie an animatronic pet kitten to keep loneliness at bay, or buying a mattress and a desperately needed refrigerator for 87-year-old Goldie. It funds an annual Summer Retreat, a much-needed respite, fun and enrichment experience for Holocaust survivors in the New York area.

When Hurricanes Helene and Milton created urgent needs for survivors in the South, The Blue Card's Natural Disasters and Severe Weather Fund provided life-saving support, including emergency transportation and vital medical care. The Blue Card is also working tirelessly alongside its partners on the ground in the Los Angeles area to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors affected by the catastrophic wildfires. Those efforts include relocating the elderly from danger zones, securing alternative accommodations and collaborating with local LA agencies to provide immediate relief and long-term support.

At the same time, through Holocaust education initiatives The Blue Card continues the fight against the ignorance and bigotry that breed antisemitism. The Blue Card clients who are able are speaking out and telling their truths in the city's classrooms and boardrooms, from a predominantly Muslim School to a Google-employee forum. Additionally, the organization's Young Leadership Committee is looking to ensure their message resonates into the future.

"Eighty years after the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the harsh truth is that the number of antisemitic incidents in New York in 2024 increased seven percent over the previous year," says The Blue Card Executive Director Masha Pearl. "We must speak up against genocide denial, challenge prejudice and encourage others to learn about the Holocaust."

"This is why we are extremely grateful to Mayor Eric Adams and the City of New York for honoring us by recognizing January 27th as The Blue Card Holocaust Survivor Day," Pearl says. "We dedicate this day to these courageous individuals who endured unimaginable horrors. By fostering Holocaust education, we honor their grit and resilience. We pledge to stand united against the rise of antisemitism and the unfortunate increase in hate crimes. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our supporters, whose financial contributions and dedication are vital to this critical cause."

Press Contact:
Diane Blackman, Founding Partner BRPR
W: 212.249.5125
[email protected]

SOURCE: The Blue Card

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Y.Baker--AT