2026 Miami Marathon To Support Holocaust Survivors - Jewish Community Services Of South Florida And The Blue Card Partner To Raise Critical Funds

Participants who join the JCS Team Blue Card will run either the half marathon (13.1 miles) or the full marathon (26.2 miles) as part of a powerful movement aimed at raising funds for JCS’ 400+ Holocaust survivor clients in order to bring dignity, care, and essential services to them. Runners must commit to raising a minimum of $500 for the half marathon or $1,000 for the full marathon, with 100% of proceeds directly benefiting JCS programs that serve Holocaust survivors.

JCS Team Blue Card invites runners of all backgrounds and abilities to take part in this life-changing experience and make every mile count toward a brighter, more compassionate future.

To join the team or learn more, contact Jake Rider, JCS Community Engagement Specialist at: jrider@JCSFL.org.

About The Blue Card

The Mission of The Blue Card is to provide direct financial assistance to needy Holocaust survivors. Of the nearly 3,000 Holocaust survivor households The Blue Card serves, three-quarters are over the age of 78 and nearly 70% live alone. Many of these survivors struggle to afford basic needs, such as adequate food, healthcare and more.

As these men and women age, they are plagued with the consequences of surviving the most devastating conditions imaginable, including poor nutrition and minimal medical care.

Studies have proven that Holocaust survivors have higher rates of chronic conditions and illnesses like Hypertension, Kidney Disease, Cancer and Dementia, than peers in their age group who did not live through the Holocaust. Unfortunately, too many do not have the financial support to afford treatments and medications, and so they will either forgo getting treatment altogether or paying other bills like rent or heat to cover the medical costs.*

Many survivors came to this country after World War II and worked in menial jobs. Tiny pensions from those jobs, social security, and Medicaid simply cannot keep up with the financial needs of this most vulnerable population. They are frequently desperate for uncovered expenses such as dental care, hearing aids, and transportation to doctors.

Dignity was forcibly taken from them during the Holocaust, and now they are vulnerable once again. The Blue Card provides direct financial assistance to ease the financial burdens and ensures that its clients don’t lose their dignity once again, in their last years. (Credit: https://bluecardfund.org/who-we-are/our-mission/)

About Jewish Community Services of South Florida 

Since 1920, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, based on Jewish values, has remained true to its mission in providing a resilient safety-net of health and social services through a broad array of programs that promote health, safety, and self-sufficiency. By collaborating with community partners, funders, hundreds of volunteers, sister organizations and local leaders, our team continuously strengthens its engagement and impact. Our professional team continues to provide healing and hope in serving the many layered needs of residents in our diverse and vibrant community.

JCS is here for you. Learn more at: https://jcsfl.org/.