Martyrdom & Resistance, May/June 2002

ID Transcript mare2805_01 "JUL 3 Z002 JOSEPH MMttiOFF LIBRARY t""F LIBRARY yrdom& W mm ISSN 0892-1571 'yar/Sivan 5762 Time of Crisis Stirs Remembrance on Yom Hashoah: Israel Stresses the Enduring Legacy of Survivors PEAKS OF INTENSITY The planning of Yom Hashoah V'Hagvurah requires careful thought in terms of themes and speakers among many factors. Recalling the past, evaluating the present, and looking to the future are concerns in shaping the programs. The planning was evident in 5762-2002. However, the focus was sharper this year as the events of September 11, and more important, happenings in the Middle East gave an urgency and immediacy to the observances. More than just massive attendance worldwide, the programs brought out audiences who followed the proceedings with extraordinary intensity. Programs and ceremonies were held 27 Nissan, Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9. Observances began Monday evening, April 8. The importance of survivors as witnesses to history was very visible in the participation of survivors as principal speakers (see page 8 for the Yad Vashem conference on the legacy of survivors). The participation of survivors was compelling proof this year as in past years, that there is no more effective resource for remembrance than that of an survivor. The future of remembrance is in good hands, as re- (Continued on page 7) IN THIS ISSUE Yom Hashoah V'Hagvurah 5762 - 2002 Book Reviews In the News Survivors' Corner Report from Yad Vashem Culture Campus and Classroom M'DorL'Dor American Society: Upcoming Events . ISRAEL REMEMBERS PAST Those who were martyred and those who survived: their legacy was the motif at Yom Hashoah V'Hagvurah in Israel. The heightened conflict in the Middle East, in particular the suicide bombings in Europe, added to recall of events preceding the Holocaust. Coinciding with Yom Hashoah was the convening of an international conference on The Legacy of Holocaust Survivors (see page 8). As in past years, the central ceremony was at Yad Vashem, Israel's Remembrance Authority, in the presence of Israeli President Moshe Katsav, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Avner Shalev, chairman of Yad Vashem Directorate, who lit the flame of remembrance. All speakers stressed the importance of remembering. This year - more than ever, the need for Israel to be strong and for the Jewish people to be united so that there are no more Holocausts. 'The memory of the Holocaust is with us all other days of our lives, and is part of our identity with Jews,"" said President Katsav. Sixty years after the the Holocaust, ""voices of anti-Semitism, of racism, of hatred for strangers, still threaten worldwide""... ""Anti-Semitism is escalating and spreading even among educated people."" Prime Minister Sharon stressed that Jews maintained their dignity and humanity during the Holocaust. And in today's difficult days, ""the eternal people are not afraid of a long journey - one that has continued for 4,000 years... This (Israel) is the only country in the world where Jews have the right and strength to defend themselves."" The six torchlighters were all survivors who began their lives anew in the State of Israel; Mordechai (Motke) Eldar, Esther Zamri, Prof. Kalman Perk, Michael Urich, Ovadia Baruch, and Loti (Nomi) Lang. Also on the program were Israeli Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, who read Psalms; Rishon Lezion Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi Doron, who recited Kaddish; and Cantor Asher Hainowitz, who chanted El Maleh Rahamim. Symposium Devoted to the Theme: The Memory of the Holocaust 1,7-8 ..2,3 Others taking part in the ceremony were the Diplomatic Corps members of the cabinet and Knesset; the IDF Educational and Youth Corps Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Naomi Faran, and the singer Etti Ankri. The master of ceremonies was Golad Adin. Texts were read by Ivgi and Ayelet Zorer. Following the ceremony a symposium was devoted to the theme Years Gone By and the Memory Holds Strong - The Memory of the Holocaust From Generation to Generation. Moderated by Aharon Barnea, the panel included participant Roman Frister, Tsippy Gon-Gross, Lizzie Doron, and Jaky Levi. The entire country was transferred from the eve of Yom Hashoah, through the next day. When the sirens wailed for two minutes at 10 a.m. on April 9 for ""moments of silence"" Israel delivered a powerful message of remembrance and an assault on those who seek to deny the past and confound the present. The silence was heard in every street, in every alleyway of the country... (Continued on page 8) ...5 .8-10 ...11 12,14 ..13 ...16 Melvin Jules Bukiet addressing Second Annual Spring Luncheon - ""Nothing Makes You Free: Writing From the Second Generation"" See center supplement for details. "