Frequently Asked Questions
Background and Organization
What does 3G stand for?
3G stands for the third generation since the Holocaust, which consists mostly of grandchildren and younger children of Holocaust survivors. The term was derived from “2G,” a term children of survivors have used to describe their generation.
Can you tell me about the organization?
3GNY’s goal is to keep the history of the Holocaust alive. We must ensure that others understand the human face of the Holocaust, as well as its details, its place in Jewish history and how it is viewed and discussed today. We are the last living link to survivors. It is primarily through us that future generations will hear the actual stories of our grandparents’ survival. We feel a deep commitment to know and tell these stories, and to place them within the greater context of the Holocaust. 3GNY also raises awareness about human rights issues and genocide – past and present. To accomplish this, 3GNY creates forums where members meet, learn, connect and share ideas. Founded in 2005 with a group of six, 3GNY’s membership now exceeds 5,000. 3GNY organizes diverse programming, including museum tours, film screenings, theatre engagements, discussion groups, book readings, visits and dialogue with survivors, Shabbat dinners, Jewish cultural events, intergenerational gatherings, genealogy workshops and field trips.
How was the group started?
Daniel Brooks, who is a grandson of four Holocaust survivors, grew up feeling a strong connection to his family’s history and wanted to explore what this connection meant. In 2005, he attended a 2G meeting where he noticed others his age, who also felt we should have our own group. What formed was a group of individuals in their 20s and 30s, who didn’t previously know each other, worked in different fields and grew up with different levels of religious observance.
How does the organization run?
3GNY is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our limited staff oversee day-to-day operations, with significant support from our board of directors and committees of volunteers who dedicate time, energy and resources to ensure that the organization runs efficiently. Board members and volunteers feel a strong connection to their families’ history and want to explore what this connection meant.
Funding
How is 3GNY funded?
3GNY relies on donations from individuals and family foundation who support our mission, along with small grants to support key programs. This critical work could not be done without the generous support of our community.
How can I make a donation?
Donations are essential to our continued programming. Donations can be made through our website and checks can be sent to 3GNY, PO Box 7690, New York, NY 10022. Sponsorships, transfers of stocks, donor-advised funds, and estate planning also supports our work. Contact us to find out more or to set up a tribute page for a loved one.
Membership
How does one become a member of the organization? Are there dues?
We are not a membership organization; anyone who is interested in 3GNY can subscribe to receive our emails and attend our events and programs. Through our listserv, we notify members of upcoming events.
Is the group only for grandchildren of Holocaust survivors? What age-range is the group?
Anyone who is interested in participating in 3GNY’s events and activities is welcome. While many participants in our Shabbat dinners, happy hours, and other programs are in their 20s-30s, our programs are open to all.
Are members mostly secular, or religious?
3GNY members represent a wide range of religious background and observance. Catered events are all kosher.
What if I don’t live in the New York City area?
All are welcome to participate in our virtual programming! Programs often draw participants from across the country and have included participants from Canada, Israel, Australia, Peru, and beyond.
We work closely with 3G communities around the country. 3GPhilly and 3GNJ are our partner affiliates under our Descendants of Holocaust Survivors 501c3 designation. Additional 3G groups offer programming in DC, Boston, Miami, and elsewhere. See our Resources page for links to other 3G groups.
Survivor Community
What is your involvement with survivors?
3GNY looks for opportunities to support and partner with the survivor community. Since our group’s founding, we have served as ushers at the Annual Gatherings of Remembrance; we have teamed up with Blue Card and Selfhelp, two organizations providing services to survivors, and featured survivors sharing their stories in our virtual and in-person programming.
We hold an annual intergenerational brunch where we invite survivors from our families and the community. We create opportunities for survivors to speak to our members about their experiences.
Is there a 2G group in New York?
There are a variety of groups in New York. We suggest emailing your query to allgenerations@aol.com for more information.
Events and Meetings
What kind of events does 3GNY hold?
3GNY organizes diverse virtual and in-person programming, including webinars, museum tours, film screenings, theatre engagements, discussion groups, visits and dialogue with survivors, Shabbat dinners, cultural events, intergenerational events, genealogy workshops and field trips.
Where do you hold events?
We hold many virtual events on Zoom. We’ve held in-person events throughout the NYC area, including the JCC on 76th Street, 92Y-Tribeca, the Jewish Heritage Museum in Battery Park, HMTC of Nassau County, the Fifth Avenue Synagogue, Jewish Enrichment Center, The Village Temple, 49 Grove, and Black Door Bar.
Your Involvement
How do I get involved?
We encourage all levels of involvement. Please email info@3gnewyork.org with your personal queries, from programming suggestions to family testimonies to activism. The best way to start getting involved is by attending an event. We welcome your involvement!
Please email info@3gnewyork.org if you have any additional questions or want to get involved!