Community Unites To Celebrate Holocaust Survivor David Einhorn’s 100th Birthday

Community unites to celebrate Holocaust Survivor David Einhorn’s 100th Birthday

An extraordinary evening of remembrance, resilience, and celebration brought together community leaders, elected officials, family members, Holocaust survivors, and partner organizations to honor Holocaust survivor Mr. David Einhorn on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The milestone celebration recognized Mr. Einhorn’s remarkable life, unwavering faith, and extraordinary resilience. His centennial birthday serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and continues to inspire generations.

Co-sponsored by Makor Care and Services Network, Nachas Health, The Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI), The Claims Conference, and HEI Holocaust Education Initiative, the event welcomed friends and relatives from throughout the community. Guests enjoyed an inspiring program emceed by Mr. Chaim Deutsch, uplifting divrei chizuk delivered by prominent Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, and a moving musical performance by world-renowned singer Shulem Lemmer.

Dignitaries in attendance included Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, NYC Council Member Simcha Felder, NYC Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, Assembly Member Michael Novakhov, Assembly Member Simcha Eichenstein, Assembly Member Kalman Yeger, and New York State Senator Bill Weber, who honored Mr. Einhorn’s extraordinary life and legacy by presenting him with proclamations and citations.

One of the evening’s most profound moments was the completion of a Sefer Torah and a beautiful siyum, during which the final letters were written in honor of Mr. Einhorn and in memory of his parents and siblings who were murdered during the Holocaust.

Born in 1926 in Sighet, Romania, Mr. Einhorn endured unimaginable loss during the Holocaust, when he and his family were deported to Auschwitz. He was the only survivor among his parents, three sisters, and two brothers. As liberation approached, he showed remarkable bravery, remaining behind rather than joining a death march and risking his life to obtain and distribute food to fellow prisoners in Auschwitz.

After the war, Mr. Einhorn rebuilt his life, first in Israel and later in New York City, where he became a respected business owner and member of his community. His greatest legacy is the family he built after surviving tragedy. At his birthday celebration, Mr. Einhorn was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, a testament to the generations of life, love, and hope that followed the horrors he endured. His story remains a powerful reminder of perseverance, faith, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

Tzally Seewald, CEO of Makor, reflected on the meaningful relationships formed between Holocaust survivors and the individuals Makor serves:

“Our individuals with specialized needs genuinely treasure every opportunity to spend time with Mr. Einhorn and other Holocaust survivors. These friendships are built on respect and shared experiences that transcend generations. Watching our participants listen, learn, laugh, and celebrate alongside these remarkable survivors is incredibly moving. Their resilience inspires our entire Makor family, and we are privileged to help create these meaningful connections.”

Rachelle Deutsch-Sauer, Director of Communications and Development at Makor and Founding Director of HEI Holocaust Education Initiative, emphasized the importance of Holocaust education and the impact of collaborative community initiatives:

“Holocaust education is not only about remembering the past; it is about shaping the future. As survivors become fewer in number, it becomes our responsibility to ensure their stories continue to educate, inspire, and strengthen future generations.”

Rizy Horowitz, Director of Survivor Services at Nachas Health, highlighted the significance of recognizing each Holocaust survivor individually:

“It is a tremendous privilege to join our co-sponsors in celebrating Mr. Einhorn’s remarkable life. We are grateful to the Claims Conference for their partnership and for providing funding that allows us to serve Holocaust survivors with dignity and compassion. Mr. Einhorn is one of the many survivors that Nachas provides with vital daily, Shabbos, and yom tov meals, helping ensure that survivors receive the care, support, and connection they deserve.”

Rabbi Moshe Wiener, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, stated that Mr. Einhorn’s life is “an enduring testament that, with faith and determination, even the greatest adversity can be overcome.”

Yehudah Zellermaier, LCSW, Managing Director of Holocaust Survivor Support Services at JCCGCI, spoke about the importance of supporting and serving Holocaust survivors so that they can live in dignity:

“As we celebrate Mr. David Einhorn’s remarkable 100th birthday, we honor not only an extraordinary milestone but a life defined by resilience, courage, and hope. At JCCGCI’s Holocaust Survivor Support Services Program, we are committed to ensuring that Survivors are able to live each day with the dignity, respect, and the care they deserve. Mr. Einhorn’s centennial is a powerful reminder that the greatest way to honor our Survivors is to stand beside them today.”

As the evening concluded, organizers reaffirmed their shared commitment to preserving the memories of those who perished in the Holocaust, celebrating the lives and legacies of survivors, and ensuring that their stories continue to educate and inspire future generations.