The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) held its annual Holocaust commemoration programs for Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance) April 28 and May 1.
The 29th Annual Community Holocaust Commemoration event was in the Rotunda of the Mahoning County Courthouse. The annual Shoah Memorial Ceremony was at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown.
Yom Hashoah is an internationally recognized day set aside for remembering all victims of the Holocaust and for reminding society of what can happen to civilized people when bigotry, hatred, and indifference reign.
This year’s local theme is "Eternal Lessons for Every Generation."
Winners of the JCRC’s student Holocaust writing and multimedia contest will be recognized at the Community Holocaust Commemoration at the Courthouse. (Visit jewishyoungstown.org to view.) The presentation of a proclamation by Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, as well as a memorial candle lighting ceremony to honor the six million who perished, was a part of the event.
The Memorial Ceremony at the JCC included a keynote presentation by Aryah Barnea, an author of books on the Holocaust and education, a Hebrew University Holocaust lecturer, and chairman of amcha.org, The Israeli Center for Psychological and Social Support for Holocaust Survivors and the Second Generation. In addition, the program included a candle lighting ceremony and participation by children and grandchildren of Survivors.
Barnea said amcha.org works to help Holocaust Survivors throughout Israel from a psychological and social point of view. They employ psychologists and social workers to help them with their memories and feelings.
“We can at least give them the feeling they're not alone,” he said.
Both programs were free and open to the public.
The Holocaust Commemoration and Education Task Force, a committee of the JCRC, is chaired by Rabbi Joseph Schonberger and Rochelle Miller, children of Holocaust Survivors, and is composed of numerous Survivors, children of Survivors, and other interested volunteers from the community. For more information, contact the JCRC at 330.746.3251.