Dear Members of the Survivors and Descendants Family,

I am excited to announce that our 2026 annual conference will be held in Philadelphia, PA.

Why the excitement? This year’s conference marks a homecoming to the region where it all began. The greater Philadelphia area and the city itself hold deep significance for the World Federation. Nearly 40 years ago in Conshohocken, PA, a small group of Child Survivors first gathered to share their Holocaust stories. From those humble beginnings, our organization has flourished, spreading across North America and growing into a worldwide family of Survivors and Descendants.

Last year, our 35th conference in Paris, France, was a tremendous success.
More than 350 participants came together to connect, learn, share their experiences, listen to Survivor testimonies, attend workshops, and hear from eminent speakers.

This year, I look forward to reuniting with old friends and making new connections at our 36th Annual Conference. I am confident that our planning committee is once again preparing an engaging and meaningful program. We owe special thanks to our conference coordinator, Lily Elbaum, and the planning committee for selecting the outstanding Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia Hotel as our venue.

Join me in Philadelphia this October 2026, and I will welcome you with open arms and an open heart.

 Max Arpels Lezer
President, WFJHS&D