Sami Steigmann’s life offers a compelling narrative that weaves together resilience and the harsh realities of aging in a city where housing costs keep soaring. At 86, this Holocaust survivor is facing immense challenges in securing safe and accessible housing in New York City, a place that has been his home for decades. His story symbolizes not just personal struggle but also highlights the broader issues relating to affordability in urban environments.
Steigmann carries the weight of a traumatic past. Subjected to horrific medical experiments as a child during World War II, he has emerged not only as a survivor but also as an advocate. His commitment to community and education is demonstrated through his volunteer work aboard the Intrepid aircraft carrier, where he shares his story with students, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten. “This is my life. Without it, there’s nothing for me, no reason to live,” he remarked, encapsulating the urgency and purpose that drive him.
Yet, as he seeks to navigate the complexities of life in New York, Steigmann finds that promises from leaders meant to alleviate housing burdens have gone unfulfilled. He reached out to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who campaigned on a platform of affordable housing, seeking a meeting to discuss his pressing need for a more suitable living environment. Unfortunately, Mamdani did not attend, leaving Steigmann feeling let down but not surprised. “Promises made, not kept,” he said with a resigned understanding of the political landscape. “It would have been nice, but you know politicians,” he added, illustrating a common sentiment among constituents weary of empty commitments.
Steigmann’s current apartment situation in Harlem is physically taxing. He struggles with mobility issues that make climbing stairs increasingly difficult. Representing a community member who is attempting to maintain his independence amidst physical limitations, he expresses a deep desire to avoid a nursing home. “If I’m going to a nursing home… it’s the way to die because there is no life there,” he said, emphasizing the importance of agency in his daily living.
The financial realities of living in New York compound these challenges. With a fixed income of $1,649 per month, Steigmann is unable to afford the soaring rental prices that average around $6,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. His predicament has caught the attention of advocates, and the Chicago Jewish Alliance has initiated “Project Ahava,” aiming to secure $132,000 to cover five years of housing. So far, they have raised $18,000 and are committed to ensuring Steigmann retains his independence close to the city he loves.
“I’m very safe here,” Steigmann affirmed about his Harlem neighborhood, where he has established a network of support. The connections he has fostered matter greatly, as they reflect a sense of belonging that is vital to the elderly, particularly those living with painful memories and current hardships.
Steigmann’s journey in New York is punctuated by a stark reality—the intersection of history, personal pain, and the challenges of modern living. Even as he grapples with these issues, his spirit remains unyielded, reminding us that the fight for dignity and safety in old age is a struggle that many face. His life paints a vivid picture of courage, demonstrating that amidst adversity, there is an unbreakable will to continue living fully and meaningfully.
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