Day of Holocaust Remembrance (Yom HaShoah) on April 12; A Community-Wide Commemoration at the MJCCA's Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden

On Sunday, April 12, 2015, from 3:30-4:30 pm, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) will invite the entire community to come together and remember the victims of the Holocaust with a special program commemorating Yom HaShoah (or Day of Holocaust Remembrance) at the MJCCA’s Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden, one of the preeminent Holocaust Memorials in the Southeast. The program is free of charge, and will take place at the MJCCA, (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody). Rain or Shine. For information, visit www.atlantajcc.org, or call 678.812.4161.

Remarks from Holocaust Survivor Irving Roth

The Yom HaShoah ceremony will feature remarks from Irving Roth, Holocaust survivor, writer and internationally known educator. Mr. Roth is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his work promoting a more accepting and diverse world, including the Spirit of Anne Frank Award. He is also an author of the book, Bondi’s Brother: A Story of Love, Loss, Betrayal and Liberation.

Additional Yom HaShoah Program Highlights:

• A performance by Shir Harmony, Atlanta’s only adult Jewish women’s a cappella group;
• Memorial prayers; and
• The lighting of six torches in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust.

About Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah (also known as “Holocaust Martyrs’” and “Heroes’ Remembrance Day”) - “Shoah” is Hebrew for destruction, and is another name for the Holocaust. This day commemorates the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust. At the same time, it marks the anniversary of the heroic Warsaw Ghetto uprising of 1943. In Israel, a morning siren sounds, stopping all activity; people stand in honor of those who died. Jews around the world hold memorials and vigils, often lighting six candles in honor of the six million Holocaust victims.

About the MJCCA’s Yom HaShoah Commemoration (RAIN or SHINE) – (April 12, 3:30-4:30 pm)

Each year, a special, community-wide Yom HaShoah commemoration is held at the Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden at the MJCCA. Holocaust Survivor Abe Besser and his wife Marlene

Gelertner Besser built this Memorial to commemorate that horrific time, and to serve as a valuable teaching mechanism to remind and educate on what hatred and indifference can do. The

Yom HaShoah commemoration is co-sponsored by the Atlanta Rabbinical Association and the MJCCA.

About The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA):

The MJCCA is committed to strengthening the quality of life throughout metro Atlanta, and is recognized as one of the most highly regarded Jewish community centers nationally. From preschoolers and adolescents, to young adults and seniors, the MJCCA offers unique and engaging programs, events, and services for every member of the community.

Contact Info:

Media inquiries: Lora Sommer, 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org

Cheri Lewis, 678.812.4134, cheri.lewis@atlantajcc.org

Program information: Rabbi Brian Glusman at 678.812.4161, brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Visit online: www.atlantajcc.org.