Kenny & Ziggy’s 11th annual National Deli Month Holocaust Survivors Luncheon on Aug. 18 was its characteristic heimish gathering of more than 30 survivors and their guests enjoying a delightful buffet meal.

National Deli Month was founded by K&Z’s Ziggy Gruber. Today, 19 delis in the U.S. and Canada participate in the monthlong celebration by offering a full-service dine-in experience honoring the proud traditions of New York-style Jewish delicatessens.

Gruber welcomed his guests while also expressing concern for Jewish communities around the world during this new era of intense antisemitism. He thanked the survivors for their decades of service to the community, particularly for sharing their stories in educational venues. He reflected on the gratitude due them for setting an example of resilience and hope.

Gary Weisserman, Holocaust Museum Houston CEO, echoed Gruber’s sentiments and thanked him for his contributions to the Jewish community.

During National Deli Month, 10% of the proceeds from Kenny & Ziggy’s three- course prix-fixe menu go to the Holocaust Museum Houston. Diners ordering from the special menu also receive a complimentary ticket to the museum.

Survivors and their guests enjoyed shmoozing while dining from a buffet of apricot-glazed chicken, Hungarian goulash, string beans almondine, latkes, sweet lokshen kugel, bakery items and New York style cheesecake.

On display this year were autobiographical books written by local Holocaust survivors. The books, on loan from HMH’s gift shop, and available online, include:

• “The Album: Shadows of Memory,” a collection from eight survivors

• “Music of the Butterfly,” by Ann M. Leis and Gail Danziger Klein

• “Forgive But Never Forget,” by Ruth Steinfeld and Cindy Levin Moulton

• “Living Longer Than Hate,” by C.S. Ragsdale, Ph.D.

• “My Dream of Freedom,” by Helen Colin

• “The Golden Age and Its Implosion,” by Emil Steinberger

• “I Did My Best,” by Joe Eisenberg

Kenny & Ziggy’s is located at 1743 Post Oak Rd. For restaurant
information, call 713-871-8883 or go to kennyandziggys.com.