Our Mission and History
The Holocaust Center is a program of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
Our mission is to build a future for all that remembers and learns the lessons of the Holocaust, and rejects antisemitism, hatred, and dehumanization of others.
As one of California’s leading resources for Holocaust and genocide education, our work increases awareness about Jewish history and the causes and consequences of antisemitism, racism, and discrimination. Through a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and patterns of genocide, we inspire moral courage and social responsibility in future generations.
Our History
Remembrance
In 1978, the first San Francisco community-wide Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) commemoration was held at Congregation Emanu-El. Every year since, we have honored those killed in the Holocaust with community programming and survivor testimony.
Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS)
Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) is one of the oldest and largest family service institutions in the United States, founded in 1850 by immigrant pioneers who arrived in California during the Gold Rush and created an extended family to care for each other. Today, JFCS continues to be that extended family, serving thousands of people annually with the highest quality social services to strengthen individuals, strengthen families, and strengthen community.
JFCS’ commitment to Holocaust survivors is deep and abiding. Over the decades, we have provided support and services to thousands of Bay Area survivors that have given them comfort and strength. JFCS ensures that survivors’ needs are met through comprehensive services including meals, transportation, social engagements, home care, counseling, and reparations claims.