On September 18, 2025, we hosted our traditional New Year’s benefit at the Klaus Synagogue. The gathering combined the celebration of the upcoming Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, with the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Foundation for Holocaust Victims.
Opening remarks were delivered by Michal Klíma, Chairman of the NFOH Board of Directors, together with the Vice Chairman of the Board, Marta Malá, Executive Director of the NFOH, and Petr Papoušek, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, who also sounded the shofar. The New Year’s address and teaching were given by Chief Land Rabbi Karol Efraim Sidon. Among our distinguished guests, we welcomed current and former members of the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board, former employees, colleagues from partner institutions, donors, volunteers, and members of the general public.
The evening was hosted by Sona Beaumont and Jiří Valeš. Ceremonial musical accompaniment was provided by Shirat Hayam, the orchestra of the Lauder Schools, and the Mackie Messer Klezmer Band. A special surprise of the evening was a performance by singer Hana Frejková. The program included a traditional raffle, New Year’s honey cake, a festive 25th-anniversary cake, symbols of the Jewish New Year, and a varied children’s program organized by FŽO madrichim.
The benefit proceeds totaling 94,700 CZK will be dedicated to funding essential social and medical care for Holocaust survivors in 2026.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and partners for the incredible atmosphere and their long-standing support. Special thanks go to Ojuna Sidonová and the Jewish Museum in Prague for their cooperation, as well as to the Prague City Hall for its support.
Additional photos from the benefit can be viewed in our photo gallery.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!
Photos: Jindřich Buxbaum, Jakub Černý
