On October 30, we witnessed a historic and deeply moving moment: Chai Mitzvah, the Bar and Bat Mitzvá ceremony for a group of Holocaust survivors who were unable to celebrate it in their childhood because of Nazi persecution.
Chai Mitzvah was an initiative of Comunidad Dor Jadash, together with Fundación Tzedaká and with the support of the Claims Conference. The event brought together diplomatic and government representatives, community leaders, the survivors’ families, and many people who came to witness this unique moment.
The ceremony, led by Rabbi Marcelo Bater, was a tribute to faith, memory, and resilience. In an atmosphere of deep emotion, survivors Alba, Anita, Betty, Ilse, Lea, Marisha, Ruth, and Pedro -born in countries such as Romania, Croatia, Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Austria- stood before the Torah to experience an act of historical, spiritual, and personal restoration.
“Today we honor life, history, tradition, and humanity. We cannot change their past, but we can help them have a better present and future. And this day was proof of that,” said Betina Rosental, Executive Director of Fundación Tzedaká.
🗞️ The media echoed this celebration
Chai Mitzvah received extensive media coverage, highlighting its historic, emotional, and spiritual importance.
You can read and watch the full stories at the following links (Spanish only):
Videos
Pictures
Read more about the Shoah Survivors Program
