Holocaust Survivors Luncheon Honors Marty Arch by By Steven Koenig and Federation Staff (scroll down for Photos) Survivor Dr. Helen Fagin Keynotes 20th Annual Chanukah Luncheon More than 110 guests, including many survivors and children of survivors, gathered at Temple Sinai in Sarasota on December 10 for the 20th annual Holocaust Survivor's Chanukah Luncheon. The event was sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Jewish Family and Children's Service of the Suncoast, Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Children's Services, and the Claims Conference. The event honored Holocaust survivors and celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Arch, a beloved area philanthropist and long-time Federation supporter. As the son of a survivor of Dachau and the nephew of an Auschwitz survivor, I have had the privilege of attending this luncheon for the past three years. The event was particularly moving this year, as generations were bridged. Holocaust survivor and scholar Helen Fagin delivered an emotional remembrance of Martin Arch, culminating with the presentation of a special sculpture to the Arch family. Helen was followed by Adam Caldwell, a local high school student who participated in this year’s March of the Living Trip to Poland and Israel. Adam shared his experiences visiting memorials at concentration camps, followed by the sharp contrast of arriving in Israel. Closing the luncheon was the lively, heart-felt music of the Freylekh Klezmer Duo, accompanied by Betty Silberman. Steven Koenig is a member of The Generation After, a national organization for children and descendents of Holocaust survivors. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee's mission statement for its Holocaust programs is: To ensure that our community never forgets and that our youth live their lives and fulfill their hopes and dreams without fear and of persecution and hatred of any kind. For more information about JFSM's Holocaust programs, contact Orna Nissan at 941-552-6305; onissan@jfedsrq.org.
In Remembrance of Martin Arch Martin Arch was born and lived in Harrisburg, PA. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Martin founded Marco Specialties, which supplied imprinted business advertising specialties throughout the United States. He and his wife, Barbara, retired to Sarasota and joined Temple Emanu-El, where Martin served on its board. Martin was especially active on the Temple Brotherhood board. He also founded the Arch Family Holocaust Education Center, an adjunct to the Florida Holocaust Museum, at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. "This was a place where local survivors could gather and meet," says Barbara Arch. "It also housed a large number of books relating to Jewish history and the Holocaust." A celebrated philanthropist, Martin also supported the March of the Living and donated to many regional arts and cultural groups. He was a board member of The Ringling—and an active volunteer. The Arch's children, Stephanie Strotbeck and Kenneth Arch, joined their mother at the luncheon in December. "We were moved by Helen Fagin's remembrance," says Barbara. "Marty enjoyed a special connection with her. And we're also very grateful for the beautiful sculpture created by Sidney Fagin that was presented to the family."
