Their Stories Foundation is a new nonprofit organization whose mission is to create films that tell stories of the Holocaust and related topics, as well as to educate future generations about this traumatic time in our history. The rise in antisemitism is a motivating factor for its formation.
“We’ve interviewed over 40 Holocaust survivors in the past year, and let me tell you, they are being retraumatized by recent events. It’s really sad,” says director John Rokosny. “We want to honor the survivors—and those who didn’t survive—with our films and to share their stories with new generations.”
Their mission started eight years ago with a chance meeting with a Holocaust survivor. “Hanka Neiger Ablin on the Lower East Side of Manhattan,” says Rokosny. “Hanka talked and we listened.”
“We” is Rokosny and his partner, Andriette Redmann, who works as a lead interviewer and producing partner on the films.
This chance conversation evolved into a feature documentary called “They Survived Together.” It went on to air on PBS and won an Emmy Award for Best Historical Documentary.
“So many meaningful experiences came from that film. We had premieres at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City, the Miami and Chicago Jewish Film Festivals, and many others,” said Rokosny. “We’ve met so many survivors and survivors’ children and grandchildren, and people who care about the most tragic and monumental event in history.”
“They Survived Together” caught the eye of the Shoah Foundation, founded by award-winning movie director Steven Spielberg, who brought in Rokosny and Redmann to conduct interviews with survivors.
“We started Their Stories Foundation for donors and supporters to make tax-deductible donations and help us create these important films,” says Rokosny. “Surprisingly, many people have little or no information about the atrocities of the Holocaust and its aftermath. Or they have the wrong information. Hearing stories from the people who were actually there and their children is incredibly valuable.”
“We’re dedicated, capable and driven to tell these powerful stories, and we need the help of caring people and family foundations to support the work,” says Rokosny. “We have a great team, and we’re ready to go!”
For more information, visit: TheirStoriesFoundation.org. Or contact: John Rokosny at: JohnRokosny@gmail.com, 917-650-5750.
Their Stories Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, so donors can receive a tax deduction.
