Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, with Zikaron Basalon

hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia in observing Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, with Zikaron BaSalon (Hebrew for “memories in the living room”) program. Build and explore personal connections to the Holocaust as we listen, think, talk and open our hearts to the stories of survivors. Featured in this online program is the eyewitness testimony of Holocaust Survivor Peter Stern; a violin solo by Phil Kates, Philadelphia Orchestra violinist; and a live sand art visual experience with Israeli artist Ilana Yahav. Participants will then have the opportunity to participate in online breakout discussions to explore related topics and stories. Co-sponsored by the Israeli American Council Philadelphia and Camp Galil. This event is presented free of charge.

 Register for the opening ceremony, then register for a breakout session below.

Human Kindness – Righteous Among the Nations REGISTER

Alongside the horrors and brutality of WWII, there were also acts of extreme kindness and bravery as people risked their own lives to save those of Jews. In this session we’ll discuss the heroism of the “righteous among the nations,” their extraordinary altruism, and ask what we as a society can learn from their actions.

Loneliness and Isolation – Then and Now REGISTER
The Holocaust created situations of solitude and extreme “social distancing” on a greater magnitude than what we face today in this current public health emergency. In order to survive, kids, teenagers and adults were forced to hide in utter isolation, some for the entire duration of the war. Even today, loneliness remains an omnipresent issue for many survivors and older adults.

Nothing Will Break Us – Hope in Difficult Times REGISTER
The human spirit was profoundly tested during the Holocaust. We will discuss the struggle to keep hope alive even in most trying circumstances: The factors that threaten to break our spirits, and those things we need to cultivate the inner strength to help see us through even the most extreme crisis.

Youth Movements in the Holocaust REGISTER
A special session for teens. How did youth movements manage to maintain themselves at that time and still act in leadership and what can we learn from them today? Is there a connection between youth movements then and now? JwYom