Helping Hand Coalition is constantly looking for people to get involved in working with Holocaust survivors and bringing aid to those who are alone and without simple commodities. For one very special night, on June 22nd, HHC hosted a charity pop-up and auction to help the dreams of seven special Holocaust survivors come true. 

“Art enables people to contribute to helping each other.” ~ Bozena Gasiorowski  

After learning about Helping Hand Coalition and our involvement with Holocaust survivors, Nikita Ben Ami, Nikita FINE Jewelry, created a sculpture of two hands reaching towards one another, symbolizing HHC’s mission. Displayed in the Caesarea Villa, where Shalom Houses and other events are hosted, many people took notice of Nikita’s intricate detail and the emotion behind her creation. Seeing the response her piece was getting, we invited her to host an auction to exhibit her work and also bring a change to the lives of survivors. 

It was a glamorous night of elegance and hope with the desire to connect artists for the Holocaust with those who have lived through the events. Art motivates and inspires people, but it also has the power to grasp the hearts of on-lookers. Bringing two worlds together, one that has everything and one that needs something, for an evening where anything is possible brought a magical and majestic feel to the event.

Presenting her collection called Universe, Nikita welcomed all attendees and said a few words. June 22nd being the anniversary of the day the Nazi’s invaded Russia, Nakita told a story of high school students going to prom excited for their new lives to begin only to have their hope taken away by the raging war that came like a thief in the night. However, through many battles, Russia beat the Nazis and those who had their dreams swept away like a winter’s breeze were left to pick up the pieces. Now old and lonely, Nikita stated that we have a mission to be there for the survivors and care for them. So in honor of their lives, Nikita proclaimed that each piece of the Universe collection that was sold that evening would fulfill seven Holocaust survivor’s greatest desires!

In attendance was the architect of the villa, Claud Braitman, looking gorgeous in a white dress. We asked her what she thought about the work Helping Hand Coalition is doing in the home she built and her response was:

“For me, it’s like a continuity because I am the third generation of Holocaust survivors. My grandparents died in the concentration camps, my uncle as well. I came to Israel mainly because I thought what France did during the Holocaust was absolutely horrible and unacceptable. So, to build my house in Israel meant a lot to me. It meant building a home, building a family, building a life; and when Andre came with Helping Hand Coalition and made the house into a place of personal hospitality for people who care, brings me joy. I’m very very glad and happy and have a lot of respect for what they are doing.”

Money was successfully raised to help the survivors needs and dreams to be met, but it isn’t over yet! If you wish to be a part of this auction, now is your chance! A link will be posted soon that will allow you to add your bid into the running and acknowledge the incredible creations Nikita has made. Your bid will also help a cause that will change the lives of Holocaust survivors in Israel!