Jewish Federation sponsors Holocaust commemoration program

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Statistics of 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II tell only the “numbers” part of the story, cautioned Rabbi Joseph Schonberger, who addressed about 100 people attending a Holocaust commemoration program Thursday.

“These were real, vital and precious souls,” said the religious leader of Temple El-Emeth and co-chairman of the Holocaust Commemoration and Education Task Force. He spoke at the 23rd annual Holocaust program, “Children in the Holocaust: A Lost Generation,” in the rotunda of Mahoning County Courthouse sponsored by Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.

Rabbi Schonberger, a son of Holocaust survivors, said it is imperative “that we remember them though they have left us. But we can still feel their presence.”

The rabbi said learning about history should help humanity “not to repeat the mistakes of the past.” But, he noted, that is being repeated with the “genocide of Christians in some countries” and the reality that “anti-Semitism is growing.”

Rabbi Schonberger added, “This is not abstract” and that for “the health of the world,” the situation must be addressed and rectified.

“For the sake of the present and future, we must care for these real people,” he said.

Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally presented a proclamation noting the month of May as days of remembrance in the city. He said it is the “moral responsibility” of individuals, the community, society and government to reflect on how bigotry and hatred can erode freedoms.

The event also included a candle-lighting ceremony with children and grandchildren of survivors. Lighting candles were Terri Anderson and Jerry Kinast, Eva Cropp, Sam Kooperman, Rochelle Miller, Mike Rawl and Rabbi Schonberger.

“The six candles represent the 6 million who died,” the rabbi said. He added that “there are many more who perished and are in unmarked graves.” One million children died, he noted, and these vulnerable victims were often the first to die because they were of no use as labor to the Nazis.

He noted the remembrance is a “tribute to loved ones.” He also acknowledged the liberators who rescued survivors and saw the horrors that had been perpetrated. Rabbi Schonberger described the children and grandchildren and following generations of survivors as the “guardians of the future.”

He led a mourning prayer in Hebrew.

Suzy Schwebel Epstein, president of Ohio Council on Holcaust and Genocide Education and member of Jewish Community Relations Council, saluted winners and honorable mentions in the Holocaust writing contest. Poetry contest winners recited their entries.

Jesse McClain, Holocaust education specialist with the federation, discussed the specially designed programs and lectures and multimedia exhibits on local Holocaust survivors. Presentations are available free of charge to service and community organizations, schools and religious organizations. Contact McClain at the federation, 330-746-3250, Ext. 268, or by email at JMcClain@JewishYoungstown.org. Visit www.JewishYoungstown.org.