Rizy Horowitz

Rizy Horowitz is a beacon of hope to thousands of Holocaust survivors. For over 22 years, she has devoted herself to caring for the largest community of Holocaust survivors in the Nation. The proud daughter of a survivor, she is finely attuned to the nuanced care required to help this unique population. Her dedication and compassion has driven the continuous growth of a program that tends to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of Holocaust survivors.

A graduate of Brooklyn College, Ms. Horowitz always felt the need to make a difference in the world. She began as a volunteer in the Maimonides Emergency Room during the evenings, where her reputation as a determined advocate gained traction. Her professional advocacy began when she joined Nachas Health and Family Network to oversee the senior programs, where she remains to this day.

In 1995, she spearheaded the effort to assist survivors in obtaining reparations from the Claims Conference, a lengthy and complicated multi-step process that was challenging both physically and emotionally. The Reparations Program was inspired by a desire to help restore dignity and financial ease to people who had lost everything and yet emerged committed to rebuilding their lives anew. Her determination, coupled with sensitivity, brought positive results. Soon many others were encouraged to apply, eventually serving over 5,000 survivors.

The needs of her growing, but aging, clientele continued to emerge. Together with the help of Mrs. Frumy Cizner and the exceptional staff at Nachas, the dynamic pair created the Holocaust Survivor Program. Additional programs were increasingly added, addressing social isolation, nutrition and health. Adapting the program to meet their changing needs, a warm community has been nurtured by the dynamic pair ever since. During the current crisis, the program continued to provide weekly nutritious packaged meals, and programming continued via teleconferencing.

Ms. Horowitz remains a constant source of support, ensuring that their members’ golden years are filled with the joy and contentment.