'It still haunts him:' Man helps Holocaust survivor with apartment renovation

A Brooklyn couple who survived the Holocaust got something very special to make their lives better.

News 12 Staff

Mar 3, 2020, 3:45 AM

Updated 1,759 days ago

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A Brooklyn couple who survived the Holocaust got something very special to make their lives better.
Zoltan Matyash and Mera Matyash say they are excited about everything new in their home. The new appliances, repainted walls and renovations happened because of Shahar Azani.
Azani was invited to speak at an event at the United Nations for the International Commemoration of the Holocaust. He was there as Zoltan Matyash recounted being in Auschwitz with 18 of his family members.
"He spoke about the fact that it still haunts him. He still wakes up at night sweating, crying, screaming and his only comfort is waking up to his wife Mera," said Azani.
However, he says what he learned next upset him more.
"When I learned that they were a part of New York's neediest when they had problems even getting money to pay their subsidized rent that shocked me even more," said Azani.
Azani later decided to start a GoFundMe page with a goal of $15,000 and he reached it.
Zoltan Matyash tells News 12 he's happy about the renovations and says his home is now more beautiful and comfortable for him and his wife.
The act of kindness created a bond they say they will never forget.