Temple Beth Sholom Hosts Historic Holocaust Commemoration

Last Wednesday, five hundred guests attended at , which honored six Holocaust survivors, including Fair Lawn resident Olga Jaeger.

Young members of the Temple Beth Sholom congregation told the survivors' stories one by one as each honoree lit a memorial candle. The night's six teen storytellers were Brittany Ezratty, Sam Heidenberg, Danielle Cohen, Jonathan Holzsager, Stephanie Shaloff and Mark Rothstein.  

Dr. David Marwell, the director of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City, delivered the keynote address on the important role museums play in preserving the survivors' stories long after the survivors themselves have passed.

The night's commemoration event included readings, hymns, prayers, a photo exhibit and a procession of 69 children carrying memorial candles to recognize the 69th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

The JFSNJ Holocaust Memorial Committee which coordinates the event -- believed to the the oldest such event in the United States -- is chaired by Fair Lawn residents Rosalind Melzer and Allyn Michaelson.

The Committee tries to include the widest range of Holocaust survivors in future commemorations. If you, or someone you know, would like to have their story told, please contact the Committee at 201-873-3263.

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