A Young Volunteer’s Love Letter to Café Europa
When asked what comes to mind when he thinks of Jewish Family Service LA, British born Nat Roden, a young professional in his mid-thirties, does not hesitate:
“Café Europa every Tuesday at 12:30 is absolute magic!” He continued, “Warmth. Joy. And the coming together of amazing people.”
Nat’s JFSLA story begins the way many meaningful journeys do—quietly, with a simple search and an open heart. After moving from the UK to Los Angeles about two years ago, he felt drawn to volunteer with Holocaust survivors. “I just knew there was a big community here,” he says. Not finding answers in his immediate circles, he searched online and discovered JFSLA’s Connect Program, which matches West Hollywood seniors—many of them Holocaust survivors—with volunteers for friendship and support.
Nat was matched with Maria Ross, a Holocaust survivor, and their connection was immediate. “We instantly connected and became like family,” he says. “I call her my grandma-girlfriend.” Maria is very capable and independent and is a regular guest at Nat’s Shabbat table where his friends often gather.
“You might expect a bleak, depressing atmosphere, but it is the complete opposite. It’s uplifting and inspiring. They celebrate life with a party and dance every week.
It’s us volunteers that are the ones trying to keep up with the survivors.”
– Nat Roden
Maria introduced Nat to Café Europa, JFSLA’s weekly social gathering for Holocaust survivors. Nat remembers expecting something somber, but what he found was the opposite.
“You might expect a bleak, depressing atmosphere,” he says, “but it is the complete opposite. It’s uplifting and inspiring. They celebrate life with a party and dance every week. It’s us volunteers that are the ones trying to keep up with the survivors.”
Nat describes leaving Café Europa energized and deeply reset. “You can think you’re having a tough day because your breakfast got canceled or a real estate deal didn’t go through,” he says with a laugh, “and then you go to Café Europa and you see people who’ve been through such hardship living life with such joy. It gives me a real dose of perspective.”
That perspective—paired with a sense of urgency—has shaped Nat’s growing involvement. “The Holocaust isn’t a thing of the past,” he says. “There are still hundreds of thousands of survivors in need of support, and the clock’s ticking.” He feels strongly about listening to survivors’ stories, carrying them forward, and speaking up against antisemitism and all hate.
Nat’s commitment is not only emotional—it is practical. After becoming a regular volunteer at Café Europa, he wanted to step up in a meaningful way. He worked with JFSLA staff to host a special evening at his home: a gathering that included survivors’ testimony, community learning, and a clear fundraising goal.
The result: nearly 70 guests and $50,000 raised.
Nat was deliberate about making the goal tangible. “Let’s raise money for a very clear purpose,” he shared, “with funds that can show real outcomes.” The funds Nat raised will go towards case management for Holocaust survivors.
For Nat, volunteering is also a direct antidote to something many of us feel isolation. “There’s a loneliness epidemic for both the younger and older generation,” he says. “Young people are very isolated and there are many seniors craving interactions. What greater way to solve both problems than bring both groups together?”
Nat is living proof. Through volunteering, Nat has built a community in a new city, formed real friendships across generations, and helped introduce others to the “magic” inside JFSLA’s doors. “All you need to do is bring people in one time,” he says. “The rest works for itself.”
Nat’s story is a reminder that compassion does not always arrive with fanfare. Sometimes it starts with a Tuesday lunch, and a willingness to show up—consistently, sincerely, and with joy.
Want to Connect?
If you are a young professional—or any community member—interested in volunteering, visit our website to learn more: www.jfsla.org/volunteer.
