Preserving The Past For A New Generation

Their Stories Foundation is a new NonProfit Organization founded by independent filmmaker, John Rokosny. The organization’s mission is to create films that tell stories of the Holocaust and related topics, and to educate future generations about this traumatic time in our history.

The rise in Antisemitism is a motivating factor for the formation of Their Stories Foundation. “We’ve interviewed over 40 Holocaust survivors in the past year, and let me tell you, they are being re-traumatized by recent events. It’s really sad,” says director John Rokosny. “We want to honor the survivors—and those who didn’t survive—with our films, and to share their stories with new generations.”

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported record-breaking levels of Antisemitic incidents in 2023, with over 8,800 recorded cases of harassment, vandalism, and assault—a 140% increase compared to 2022.

Teaching the history of the Holocaust combats denial and distortion.. Without education, future generations may misunderstand or even dismiss the events entirely. This education strengthens the global movement for human rights by showcasing the devastating impact of their violation. It serves as a foundation for advocating tolerance, justice, and equality

“This mission started 8 years ago with a chance meeting with Holocaust survivor Hanka Neiger Ablin on the Lower East Side of Manhattan,” says Rokosny. “Hanka talked and we listened.” “We” being Rokosny and his partner Andriette Redmann, who works as a lead interviewer and producing partner on the films created by Their Stories Foundation.

This chance conversation evolved into a feature documentary called “They Survived Together.” The film went on to air on PBS and won an Emmy Award for Best Historical Documentary.

“So many meaningful experiences came from that film. We had premieres at the Museum of Tolerance in LA, the Museum of Jewish Heritage in NYC, Miami and Chicago Jewish Film Festivals, and in many others. “We’ve met so many survivors and survivors’ children and grandchildren, and people who care about the most tragic and monumental event in history,” added Rokosny.

“They Survived Together” caught the eye of The Shoah Foundation, founded by Steven Spielberg, who brought in Rokosny and Redmann to conduct interviews of survivors for their own research.
“We started Their Stories Foundation for donors and supporters to make tax deductible donations and help us create these important films,” says Rokosny. “Surprisingly, many people have little or no information about the atrocities of the Holocaust and its aftermath. Or, they have the wrong information. Hearing stories from the people who were actually there and their children, is incredibly valuable.”

“We’re dedicated, we’re capable, and we’re driven to tell these powerful stories—and we need the help of caring people and family foundations to support the work financially,” added Rokosny. “We have a great team and we’re ready to go!”

Watch THE KID OFFICER - New film Teaser Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19QKuMX4lgc