Holocaust Remembrance events planned

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Jewish Community Relations Council will present its annual commemoration programs for this spring’s series of Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance) holiday observances.

The 22nd annual Community Holocaust Commemoration event is scheduled at noon Thursday in the rotunda of the Mahoning County Courthouse. The annual Shoah Memorial Ceremony is planned for 4 p.m. next Sunday at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane.

In keeping with historical themes set by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi camps, this year’s theme is “1945: Stories of Liberation.”

It addresses why remembering the past for the sake of the future is an important goal for all, and that we all must prevent future genocides by recognizing our collective responsibility when confronted with such crimes.

The courthouse event will feature a special presentation by Jesse McClain, Boardman Center Middle School teacher and Holocaust scholar; recognition of the winners of the JCRC’s annual student Holocaust writing contest; presentation of a proclamation by Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally; and a memorial candle-lighting ceremony to honor the 6 million who perished.

The JCC ceremony will feature a special performance of the newly reinstated Holocaust Impact Theater led by Liz Rubino from the JCC. The presentation includes student-written and performed dramatic vignettes on themes related to the Holocaust.

The ceremony also will feature special student art-project presentations, Holocaust-inspired readings, historical perspective, and a candle-lighting ceremony led by family members of survivors.

Both programs are free.

The Holocaust Commemoration and Education Task Force, a committee of the JCRC, is led by Rabbi Joseph Schonberger and Rochelle Miller, children of Holocaust survivors, and is composed of numerous survivors, children of survivors and volunteers from the community.

For information on the events, contact the JCRC at 330-746-3251.