International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Survivor Day, or ISOSLD) is the one day a year when people affected by suicide loss gather in their local communities to find comfort and gain understanding as they share stories of healing and hope.
The day was created by an act of Congress in 1999 and since then has been sponsored and supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Every year, hundreds of organized events are held in the United States and around the world on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which this year falls on Nov. 20.
“Suicide touches one in five American families,” said Sandra Goldmeer, area director of the Capital Region NY Chapter of AFSP. “By connecting and coming together, we will keep going in the fight to stop suicide. Together, we send the message that you are never alone, that healing is possible, and when we connect, we create hope. Together we keep going.”
For many, attending a Survivor Day event is an opportunity to discover that they are not alone in their experience of losing someone they know and love to suicide. Gatherings also include a screening of an AFSP-produced documentary for and about suicide loss survivors.
For those who are unable to attend a Survivor Day event due to Jewish religious observance, this year AFSP is holding an “ISOSL Day: Through Jewish Lens” to be held virtually via Zoom from noon to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Nov. 21.
The New York State Chapters of AFSP are facilitating the event, led by Goldmeer. She will be supported that day with facilitators from Elijah’s Journey and No Shame on You.
Click here to learn more about International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. For details on the Jewish Lens event, click here.
