JCRC holds Annual Community Holocaust Commemoration event

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation held its Annual Community Holocaust Commemoration event in the Rotunda of the Mahoning County Courthouse April 14.

“Today we gather for Yom Hashoah— Holocaust Remembrance Day—a time set aside around the world to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, along with the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution,” said Rabbi Joseph Schonberger at the start of the program.

“In Israel, this day is marked with profound national mourning. Sirens sound across the country, and for two minutes, life comes to a complete standstill. People step out of their cars, stand in silence, and remember. Here in Youngstown, we mark this day by gathering as a community to bear witness.”

Winners of the JCRC’s student Holocaust writing and multimedia contest were recognized at the ceremony.

This year’s local theme was “When Time Stood Still: The Fate of Jewish Families and Communities During the Holocaust.” It’s inspired by an 18-panel exhibit from Yad Vashem.

“This year’s theme reminds us that the Holocaust was not only about numbers— it was about families, relationships, and communities torn apart. Behind every statistic was a person: a mother, a father, a child, a sibling, a friend. This year, students were asked to reflect on local Survivor stories—to ensure that these voices from our own community continue to be heard,” said Suzyn Schwebel Epstein, former chair of the JCRC and former board president of the Federation.

Also included in the event were poetry readings by the winners and a candle lighting ceremony.

Candle lighters were Teri Anderson, Jack Anderson and Arlo Anderson; Rachel Kay, Ethan Kay, Molly Kay and Henry Kay; Robert Rawl; Rabbi Joseph Schonberger; Barry Wagner; Jenny Lloyd and Brian Froomkin, and family of Sid Jacobson, a liberator.

Kobi Sigler lit a seventh candle for Israel.

Mayor Derrick McDowell presented a proclamation recognizing that from April 12, 2026 through April 19, 2026 are the Days of Remembrance in memory of the Holocaust and in honor of the Survivors as well as the rescuers and liberators.

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 children and grandchildren of Survivors, and other interested volunteers from the community.