THE BEAUTY OF REMEMBRANCE: JCCGCI AND L’OREAL MISHPACHAH HONOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS WITH A DAY OF PAMPERING AND CONNECTION

JCCGCI X LOREAL MISHPACHAH EVENT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER CONEY ISLAND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS EVENT WITH LOREAL

On January 21, JCCGCI partnered with L’Oréal’s employee resource group, L’Oréal Mishpachah, to host a full-day, intentionally designed experience for 18 Holocaust survivors served by our organization. Created in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Week, the event offered survivors a meaningful opportunity to be celebrated, uplifted, and cared for in a deeply personal way. Designed as a day of dignity and pampering, the experience aimed to uplift survivors not only through remembrance of the past, but through tangible acts of care in the present. Hosted at the L’Oréal Tech Center in Hudson Yards, the event spanned several hours and was thoughtfully structured to feel calm and accessible, allowing each survivor the time and space to fully enjoy every part of the day without pressure.

JCCGCI X LOREAL MISHPACHAH EVENT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER CONEY ISLAND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS EVENT WITH LOREAL
From the moment survivors arrived in the morning, the experience was carefully guided and welcoming. Staff and volunteers greeted participants upon arrival and assisted them through every step of the process, ensuring comfort and ease throughout the day. Survivors were paired with individual “buddies” who remained with them for the duration of the event, offering companionship, conversation, and support. This one-on-one approach helped create an environment where survivors felt seen, cared for, and at home.
The day began with a communal breakfast, where survivors gathered to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new friends. A generous spread was served, including bagels, lox, salads, pastries, coffee, and tea. As survivors sat together, the room filled quickly with conversation and laughter. For many, this time alone was meaningful, offering an opportunity to socialize, reminisce, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being together. The breakfast set the tone for the day: warm, unhurried, and grounded in togetherness. Welcome remarks followed, outlining the day ahead and acknowledging the significance of coming together.
JCCGCI X LOREAL MISHPACHAH EVENT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER CONEY ISLAND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS EVENT WITH LOREAL
From late morning through early afternoon, survivors rotated through individualized beauty and wellness services provided by an exceptional team of professionals. Five top-tier hairstylists offered haircuts and styling, taking care to work at each survivor’s pace and preference. Five professional manicurists provided hand and nail care using Essie nail products and CeraVe hand creams, creating moments of relaxation and comfort. Eight makeup artists delivered personalized makeup consultations and applications using high-quality products from brands including Lancôme, IT Cosmetics, Maybelline, Kiehl’s, Youth to the People, and L’oréal Paris. Survivors also experienced foundation shade matching using L’oréal’s True Match technology, allowing each person to feel confident and comfortable with their look.
The space itself was transformed into a welcoming salon and lounge environment, with room to rest, observe, and enjoy conversation between services. Survivors moved easily from one station to the next, often pausing to chat, laugh, and admire one another’s transformations. Smiles were constant throughout the room, as participants complimented each other and shared moments of genuine joy.

JCCGCI X LOREAL MISHPACHAH EVENT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER CONEY ISLAND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS EVENT WITH LOREAL

Midday, the experience transitioned into a meaningful dessert gathering inspired by the theme “L’Dor V’Dor,” symbolizing the transmission of memory, resilience, and responsibility from generation to generation. Survivors were served classic Jewish desserts, including black-and-white cookies and fruit tarts, creating a moment of reflection that felt both celebratory and deeply rooted in tradition. The theme resonated strongly, especially during Holocaust Remembrance Week, underscoring the importance of honoring survivors not only by remembering the past, but by uplifting them in the present.

JCCGCI X LOREAL MISHPACHAH EVENT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER CONEY ISLAND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS EVENT WITH LOREAL

As the day drew to a close, survivors were presented with luxury gift bags filled with premium beauty products from brands including Lancôme, Kiehl’s, Valentino, IT Cosmetics, L’oréal Paris, CeraVe, Thayers, and more. Each participant also received a framed forget-me-not flower bearing the message “a reminder we will never forget,” serving as a lasting symbol of remembrance, gratitude, and connection. Final remarks and a group photo brought the day to a meaningful close, capturing a collective moment of pride and appreciation.

JCCGCI X LOREAL MISHPACHAH EVENT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER CONEY ISLAND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS EVENT WITH LOREAL

Throughout the entire experience, the atmosphere remained warm, respectful, and deeply affirming. This was not a fleeting or surface-level event, but a carefully curated day designed to honor survivors as individuals who deserve care, attention, and joy. For the 18 Holocaust survivors who attended, the day offered more than services or gifts; it provided time, dignity, and a powerful reminder that they are valued, remembered, and celebrated.

JCCGCI is proud to be one of the largest providers of comprehensive Holocaust survivor services in the world, supporting thousands of survivors residing throughout Brooklyn. Through a wide range of essential programs—including homecare, case management, socialization, counseling, transportation, food assistance, and advocacy—our Holocaust Survivor Services team works every day to ensure survivors can age with dignity, security, and connection. Events like this one are an extension of that commitment, honoring not only survivors’ histories, but their lives today.

JCCGCI X LOREAL MISHPACHAH EVENT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER CONEY ISLAND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS EVENT WITH LOREAL

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to L’oreal Mishpachah for their generosity, thoughtfulness, and partnership in making this extraordinary day possible. We are also grateful for our incredible JCCGCI Holocaust Survivor Services team, whose care, dedication, and deep relationships with the survivors ensured that every detail of the day reflected warmth, respect, and genuine compassion.
👉 Want to get involved? Email us at info@jccgci.org or call 718-449-5000 for more information.
JCCGCI X LOREAL MISHPACHAH EVENT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER CONEY ISLAND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS EVENT WITH LOREAL

ABOUT JCCGCI

Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is a community-based organization with a citywide scope, providing a wide-spectrum of senior citizen, career, educational, crime-reduction, mental health, community revitalization and related services benefiting all segments of the population. JCCGCI is also a technical assistance provider, offering capacity building services to nonprofits in all five boroughs through its NonProfit HelpDesk division (www.nphd.org). With 40 program sites throughout New York City staffed by almost 400 social service professionals, JCCGCI assists an average of upwards of 2,500 needy individuals and families each day.

JCCGCI’s Holocaust Survivor Support Services is one of the largest in the world, providing critical assistance to over 4,000 Holocaust Survivors annually. Services include Homecare, Transportation, Case Management, Friendly Visiting, Medicaid Appeals, Socialization, and Home Delivered Meals.

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