Hearing Aids Transform Lives of Holocaust Survivors in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s Palace Hall was filled with quiet anticipation as Holocaust survivors gathered for an extraordinary gift: the ability to clearly hear the voices of their loved ones once again. Thanks to a groundbreaking initiative by the Miracle-Ear Foundation, these elderly survivors, many living in poverty, are receiving free hearing aids and lifetime care.

“For too long, many Holocaust survivors have lived without the hearing aids they desperately need,” said Jack Simony, head of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF). “Hearing loss deeply affects their quality of life, emotional wellbeing, and social connections.”

The AJCF, in partnership with the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island and the Claims Conference, helped identify survivors most in need. The Miracle-Ear Foundation’s Gift of Sound program aims to provide 100 survivors with state-of-the-art hearing aids, along with lifetime support and care.

Since its founding in 1990, the Miracle-Ear Foundation has delivered over 48,000 hearing aids to underserved communities. Jenni Hargraves, the foundation’s Executive Director, expressed pride in contributing to this vital cause. “We are honored to restore hearing for these survivors. It’s more than just sound it’s connection, communication, and improved quality of life,” Hargraves said.

The timing of the initiative is profoundly symbolic. As the world approaches International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, these survivors’ newfound ability to hear holds deep meaning. For individuals who once faced efforts to silence them, the restoration of sound represents dignity, resilience, and reconnection.

The initiative reflects the enduring commitment of organizations and communities to care for Holocaust survivors, honoring their legacy and ensuring they remain connected to their families and the world around them.

Israel and Jewish communities worldwide continue to inspire hope by transforming lives and preserving memory. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter to celebrate such impactful programs and the resilience of those who survived history’s darkest hour.