A call for 2Gs by GenShoah SWFL

By Shelley Lieb

Southwest Florida is full of surprises. Even after 50+ years of living in this area, I encounter people, businesses, artists, plants and animals that are amazing. That there is a population here that can sustain a Holocaust museum still amazes me. And, each year, since the inception of GenShoah SWFL by Sandy Levine in 2008, I have met others whose parents survived the Holocaust. We are known as second generation, 2Gs, or Generations of the Shoah.

Over the years, there have been various programs, social events, community partnerships and group support events with the guidance of the Holocaust Museumand many active individuals. With the stepping back of IdaMargolis from the leadership role, it is time to reenergize, reorganize and reform our local GenShoah group. I am working with Margolis as well as Susan Suarez and David Nelson from the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center to establish a GenShoah coordinating committee for that purpose. A call has been sent out to everyone on our GenShoah SWFL mailing list. That door remains open at genshoahswfl@hmcec.org.

GenShoah SWFL has four goals:

• Promotion of Holocaust education and human rights

• Preservation of the history and memories of the Holocaust

• Connection of 2nd and 3rd generations with one another

• Support of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center

Some projects and ideas are already active and unfolding. Fifteen written narratives of the Holocaust experience of the parents of our 2Gs are posted on the museum website, www.HMCEC.org. And there is plenty of room for more.

Contact me at liebro@gmail.com for more information and encouragement.David Nelson is helping 2Gs reach out to local students and museum visitors. There are a few, but more are needed as our local survivors grow older. You can contact him at david@hmcec.org.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more 2Gs out and about in Southwest Florida who might want to get connected. Let us know. Time to surprise yourself.