Mount Washington 'Local Hero' Helps Holocaust Survivors

As a TV director and producer, Zane Buzby’s credits are a testament to her talents as a leader, organizer and storyteller.  

Her directorial credits include popular television shows The Golden Girls, Married With Children, Charles in Charge and Blossom.

Now, it is through her most recent effort, coordinating the Survivor Mitzvah Project--the world’s only organization dedicated to providing direct support to Holocaust survivors in Eastern Europe who don't receive reparations from Germany--that her directorial skills are being put to their greatest use.

For the last 10 years, Buzby has run the nonprofit Survivor Mitzvah Project out of the basement of her Mount Washington home, where she raises funds that are sent directly to survivors. Buzby also organizes trips in order to seek out the many others in need of assistance.

In May, Buzby was named a “Local Hero” for her efforts by KCET  and Union Bank in recognition of Jewish American Heritage month.

“In a tireless effort, Buzby helps these elderly and forgotten Holocaust survivors live out their final years in comfort and dignity, with friendship and hope,” KCET wrote in a statement honoring Buzby.

The award will shine a light on the charity, help it to grow and provide support to  more survivors, Buzby said, and that’s what matters.

“It’s been seven days a week for the last 10 years. It’s grueling. I finally, this year, got some part-time help because it’s impossible to keep up,” she said. “So [the Local Hero award] was encouraging. Hopefully the light it shines on the project will let more people know. Every time we get a little bit of press, the donations come in. And donations and people spreading the word are the only thing that’s going to help these people in their final years.”

Check Patch tomorrow, to learn more about Buzby and how the Survivor Mitzvah Project got started.