HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR'S CHANUKAH LUNCHEON 2014 by Brandon Ikeman (scroll down for Photos) On Wednesday, December 17, I was fortunate to attend the 19th Annual Holocaust Survivors’ Luncheon, with over 70 survivors in attendance. Suzanne Hurwitz and Jan Alston of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast spoke on the work that they are doing to assist and commemorate survivors. Anne Stein then spoke on the Holocaust Speakers’ Bureau, which she is chair of. As a 2013 March of the Living alumnus, I spoke to the audience about the need to keep each survivors’ memories alive for many generations to come, so that we never forget the atrocities. Sarah Tedesco, a 2011 March of the Living alumna, spoke on how she applies the lessons learned from the Holocaust to forms of genocide and prejudice that still occur today. As the luncheon was during Chanukah, Rabbi Geoffery Huntting of Temple Sinai then lit the menorah. Rosalie Leon finished with a selection of songs known by many Jews between the time of the Holocaust and the creation of the State of Israel. This event was started by Dr. Helen Fagin, who felt a need for an event to bring survivors from around the area together with local organizations. The Survivors’ Luncheon reminded me how am grateful I am for all that she has done, along with Orna Nissan of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and all of our local organizations, to enrich Holocaust commemoration and education.
To learn more about Holocaust Education programs please contact Orna Nissan, Director, Holocaust Education & Israel Programs at 941-371-4546.
Pictures Orna Nissan, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
