Fashion photographer Bryce Thompson has embarked on a poignant journey to amplify the stories of Holocaust survivors through his project, "Borrowed Spotlight." Initially conceived as a photo series, the project has evolved into a collection of candid conversations between A-list celebrities and the last living generation of Holocaust survivors. This project emerged against a backdrop of rising antisemitism, which Thompson, who is not Jewish, has witnessed affecting his friends and family. The urgency of this project has only intensified following the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent surge in anti-Jewish incidents across the United States.
On April 22, 2025, to coincide with Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Thompson debuted the "Borrowed Spotlight" collection, which includes a coffee-table book and a weeklong exhibition at Detour Gallery in Manhattan. This collection features notable Hollywood figures such as Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Garner, and Chelsea Handler, who were paired with survivors to share their experiences.
Thompson, who has an extensive portfolio that includes high-profile shoots for publications like GQ, ELLE, and Glamour, initially thought the photographs would speak for themselves. However, he discovered that the most impactful moments occurred off-camera. "Those were the moments they interacted the most," Thompson explained. "The moments off-camera that were not being photographed, those are the best moments. That’s what started the conversation piece of ‘please tell us your story.’" This shift in focus transformed the project from a simple portrait series into a meaningful dialogue between celebrities and Holocaust survivors.
Among the powerful exchanges captured in the book is a quote from Elizabeth Wilf, a Holocaust survivor and philanthropist, who was paired with actor David Schwimmer. "My grandchildren are my revenge, I guess," Wilf poignantly remarked. This sentiment encapsulates the resilience and hope that define many survivors' stories.
Thompson's approach to pairing celebrities with survivors was initially based on shared traits or backgrounds, such as a common country of birth. However, he quickly realized that regardless of their origins, all participants found common ground. "We’ve all got something in common with a survivor. The conversations flowed much easier than if we tried to curate it," he noted.
Supermodel Cindy Crawford expressed her immediate willingness to participate, stating, "It was an instant yes. I’ve always believed in being part of the solution, not the problem. The opportunity to meet and converse with a Holocaust survivor felt deeply meaningful." Other celebrities involved, including Scooter Braun and Sheryl Sandberg, have also used their platforms to condemn the rising tide of antisemitism, highlighting the importance of their participation in this project.
However, not all celebrities were eager to join the initiative. Some expressed concern over potential career repercussions from speaking out against antisemitism, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attacks. "That was sad to see," Thompson remarked, noting that many who initially agreed to participate became hesitant. "We’re in an industry where cancel culture is prevalent. A lot of our yeses turned into maybes turned into nos because people don’t want to take political sides." Despite this, Thompson emphasized that the project was always intended as a Holocaust awareness initiative.
The "Borrowed Spotlight" collection has garnered significant attention, not just for its artistic merit but also for its mission. Proceeds from book sales are earmarked for campaigns aimed at educating younger generations about the Holocaust. Additionally, a private auction of select prints will benefit organizations dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and survivor support, including Selfhelp, which assists living Holocaust survivors in New York, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
In a striking display of the project's impact, the opening photograph of the collection—featuring the tattooed arm of survivor Joseph Alexander, marked with his Auschwitz number—was auctioned for $20,000. This powerful image serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities faced by Holocaust survivors and the importance of preserving their stories.
In a related incident, posters featuring photographs of Holocaust survivors from the "Borrowed Spotlight" project were torn down in New York City on April 24, 2025, by unknown individuals. These posters were displayed in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Following the vandalism, CNN's Jake Tapper took the opportunity to spotlight the stories of the survivors whose images were removed, further emphasizing the project's significance.
Thompson has expressed a commitment to keeping the "Borrowed Spotlight" project alive as long as it is needed, whether it involves traveling to Israel to meet survivors of the October 7 attacks or continuing to raise awareness through various initiatives. He acknowledged the challenges of sustaining such a project, stating, "This one took almost three years," but he remains dedicated to its mission.
The "Borrowed Spotlight" project stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of Holocaust survivors and the importance of sharing their stories in an era where antisemitism is on the rise. By pairing these survivors with celebrities, Thompson has created a platform for meaningful conversations that honor the past while advocating for a more compassionate future. As the world reflects on the lessons of history, initiatives like this remind us of the enduring impact of personal stories and the need for continued vigilance against hate.
