The year was 1965, exactly 20 years after the liberation of only a few Holocaust survivors from Cracow, Poland. A courageous group of 13 men met privately to discuss the possibility of creating a social group, a fraternity of sorts, that would meet occasionally for the purpose of socializing, reminiscing, and moral support after surviving a historical travesty.

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The first founders meeting took place at Steven Morrow's home on February 7th, 1965. On this day, the New Cracow Friendship Society was born.  The many weeks of planning that followed resulted in the first meeting of “Jews from Cracow” on March 14, 1965 at the Jewish Center of Kew Garden Hills in Flushing, Queens in America.

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The first gathering of over 700 Holocaust survivors from Krakow was a tremendous success. Their happiness and tears proved that the time was ripe for the NCFS to be realized. As the enrollment of membership began, the new Cracow friends became a reality and the group of 13 became known as the Founders.  At a subsequent meeting on May 2, 1965 the assembled gave the Founders a mandate to run the organization that was dubbed “The New Cracow Friendship Society, Inc.” for one year.

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The governing body of the Society consists of two chambers: The Executive Board (six members): President, two Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, and Comptroller, and the Board of Directors comprises twelve members. Elections are held every two years.

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The combined Board meets six times a year. The Board meetings are chaired by the two Vice Presidents in rotation, and are guided by Robert's Rule of Order. The function of running the organization is facilitated by various committees headed by a chairperson.  Four Membership Meetings a year are mandatory.

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The Society publishes a very informative bimonthly newsletter that provides information of organizational activities and carries articles ranging from commentary on Jewish holidays and Jewish customs, information on developments in the world of Holocaust survivors, book reviews, letters to the Editor, congratulatory messages on member’s achievements, to listings of contributions and much more.

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This website provides an up to date calendar of events plus information about the society, membership information, photographes and more.  We are also on other social media sites.

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Finally, this organization is sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate among us whether in the U.S., the city of Krakow or in Israel.

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