Borrowed Spotlight Exhibit

On Feb. 11, a luncheon was held at Jewish Family Service LA’s (JFSLA) Café Europa that featured “Borrowed Spotlight,”  a photography exhibition and book dedicated to sharing Holocaust survivor stories. The portrait series, created to combat rising antisemitism and preserve Holocaust history, was captured by fashion photographer Bryce Thompson. It pairs Holocaust survivors with today’s most recognizable figures – including Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Garner, Billy Porter and David Schwimmer – using their public platforms to amplify the survivors’ stories. The exhibition features large-scale portraits of Holocaust survivors posing alongside A-list celebrities along with the survivors’ testimonies.Maria Ross and Arnold and Jeanetta Perl at the “Borrowed Spotlight” luncheon honoring Holocaust survivors from JFSLA’s Cafe Europa. Courtesy of Jewish Family Service LA

At Café Europa, approximately 35 people turned out, including 20 survivors. Survivors and Café Europa participants Ella Mandel and Eva Nathanson, who are featured in the photographs, attended and shared their stories. Additionally, JFSLA staff spoke about the importance of celebrating survivors.

Café Europa is JFSLA’s weekly social program providing community and support for Holocaust survivors.