A significant number of Holocaust Survivors resettled in Cleveland following liberation, with many being the sole surviving members of their family. Here, they gained comfort and support through connecting with others who shared their wartime experience, religion, and culture. They also enjoyed the familiarity of speaking with each other in Yiddish or the languages of their native countries.
Kol Israel’s History
In 1959, a group of Survivors gathered in the home of Anne and Mike Frum. Prompted by their shared experiences and interests, they formed what is now known as Kol Israel Foundation. The organization, which became their social outlet and surrogate family, was named after an Israeli radio station that broadcasted information throughout war-torn Europe following World War II. Ohio’s Secretary of State officially recognized Kol Israel as a nonprofit entity on February 2, 1960.
Through Kol Israel, these Survivors:
Forged lifelong friendships
Embraced life in the United States
Built schools and shuls (synagogues)
Raised money for the fledgling state of Israel, including purchasing ambulances for Magen Dovid Adom
In 1961, Kol Israel built what is thought to be the first Monument in the United States dedicated to the memory of the 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis. Buried below the Monument are ashes of concentration camp victims. The surrounding walls are engraved with the names of deceased family members—including relatives who died during the Holocaust and Survivors who have passed away in the ensuing years.
The group has experienced several organizational changes since its founding. For a time, Kol Israel included offshoots Kol Israel Sisterhood and Kol Israel Second Generation. Today, the group functions as one unified entity, Kol Israel Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Resilience, Remembrance, and Holocaust Education. Active participants include Survivors, their descendants (which now include great-grandchildren!), and supporters from across the Jewish and general communities.
