Gratitude

Marina Berkovich, JHSSWF President

"Why do you need this Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida?” is the question I like hearing the least. I want to snap, “I don’t! You do!”

This naïve question instantly brings up my most unexpected interviews, like when Doris Reynolds, a renowned Naples Daily News columnist who hid her Jewish identity for decades, said during her JHSSWF interview: “Why do you want to tell everyone who is a Jew here? So, they can come after us?” Or when David Irving, the notorious Holocaust denier, said after we wrapped up a 75-minute interview, “I love Naples. I have so many friends there. Invite me to speak to your group anytime.”

I already know just how hard the lessons of antisemitism are, how long they stay with us, how they impact our psyche and our everyday life. Trust me, if I could be satisfied without passing on what I know, not spending countless hours and efforts on educating the community around me about what it does not or chooses not to recall, I would! I would sit by the pool with a book or watch a romcom or shop. But I cannot.

I moved into this so-called “sleepy fishing village” town 20 years ago and soon discovered how infected it was with the same outrageous antisemitism I escaped from when I fled U.S.S.R. some 25 years before. In New York and New Jersey, I could hold my head high as a Jew for the first time without having to defend or shield myself from institutionalized and everyday antisemitism of my foes and friends.

In Naples, I found myself in a position to apply many of my life skills and professional expertise to begin an organization that had not existed before. The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida gathers, protects and disseminates information about Jewish individuals, early settlers of this community and beyond, who persevered against common everyday antisemitism greatly and memorably contributed to this region using their skill, intelligence, vision, money and enlightenment. Because that is what we always do — we want to better the surroundings and leave a legacy of worthwhile achievements.

Since April 2010, our small nonprofit has been able to make significant headway due to unwavering support of believers in our mission and goals. We have focused on the positive contributions Jewish people have made to the Southwest Florida community after it was ready to admit them as equals, which, historically speaking, was only a short while ago.

As our collection of educational presentations and films grows, so does our gratitude to everyone who understands the uniqueness of our local purpose, especially now, during the unprecedented escalation of worldwide and American antisemitism.

After the recent premiere of Jewish Historical Society’s films “Becoming Jewish Federation of Greater Naples,” an attendee said something that will carry me for a long time: “You are not doing it for us, you are doing it for people who will see this 100 years from now.” That’s right, we are not doing it for me or you. We are doing it for those who will live after us.

Get on board to help

Your generosity and support help The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida in its work, events and presentations. Donate online, by mail or contact us at office@jhsswf.org. We can be reached at The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL, 8805 Tamiami Trail North, Suite # 255, Naples FL 34108, 833-547-7935 (833-JHS-SWFL), www.jhsswf.org, or office@jhsswf.org.

The Jewish Historical Society of SWFL is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.