Huge Turnout in Response to Plea for Attendees at Levaya of 101-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor

M.C. Millman

After posting on social media regarding the loss of his father, David Chotan a"h, a 101-year-old Holocaust survivor, the son was hoping for a minyan at best at the levaya especially given that it was scheduled for the middle of a regular work day. 

"Dear Group," the son wrote. "I know this is quite a strange request from any of you that may have family near Paramus, N.J.   I'll give it a shot.

My father passed away, and the funeral service will be this morning in the Cedar Park Bethel cemetery on Forest Avenue.Z in Paramus. I could not fly to the States to be there, and the only family member that will be attending will be my son who flew up from Florida. There probably will be no one else there as my dad is the last survivor of his family (he was 101). Me and my family will be on Zoom here, but sadly, there will be no minyan there. Do any of you have family that lives nearby who maybe would be willing to do a mitzvah? ... This is really a shot in the dark. I know that here in Israel, this works but have no idea about America."

The shot in the dark turned into a levaya attended by over 300 people who turned out yesterday to take the opportunity to show their respect for the precious few remaining Holocaust survivors our generation holds dear.

"Amazing how this came together, " the son posted on Facebook right before the levaya, before knowing the full extent of how his plea would be answered. "So many good people offer their help and are ready to do a mitzvah. My dad will have his minyan."

Yhei zichru baruch.