4 minute read
Thank you, helpers
By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb
Most of the readers of this column will remember the gentle and genial host Mr. Rogers and “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Many people admired Mr. Rogers, but some did not. The same was true about his advice: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Some people did not like this advice, but many more did.
Since the massacre in Israel and the Hamas-Israel War, I have read that many individuals from throughout the U.S. volunteered to go on missions to Israel to do a number of tasks, from preparing meals for IDF soldiers to harvesting produce because those who usually harvest were not available. One of our GenShoah SWFL members went to Israel soon after the war began. And you may have heard that a mission from Temple Shalom
in Naples went to Israel. In addition to bringing needed clothing items and letters to IDF, they also performed many jobs. I was very moved when I heard their stories. Some said it was one of the most important things that they had ever done. Most said they would go back if they could. I thanked each one with whom I spoke. I would like to thank each and every one who has volunteered. They were the helpers that soldiers and others were looking for. They were there to help when needed.
At GenShoah meetings, often 2Gs (i.e., second-generation children of Holocaust survivors) tell their parent’s story. And often, the story includes a helper of some sort. A helper who gave someone in a concentration camp an extra piece of food, a non-Jewish family who hid the Jewish child who was their family member. We also should acknowledge the helper who was able to get papers to a person trying to get out, as well as the family who took in a child from the Kindertransport.
Most of the helpers from WWII are no longer alive, but it is meaningful to tell their story. A number of 2Gs are writing their parents’ stories, which will be posted on the website of the Holocaust Museum. More volunteers will go to Israel. Their story is important as well. Not everyone can go to Israel to be a helper at this time. But everyone can do something to help. Make a donation. Write to a soldier in the IDF. Listen to the stories. Say thank you to the helpers. Be there for others whenever you can.
About GenShoah SWFL
GenShoah SWFL is a group for children and descendants of Holocaust survivors and anyone interested in the mission of GenShoah of SWFL, which is:
•Promotion of Holocaust education and human rights
•Preservation of history and memories of the Holocaust
•Connecting the Second Generation with one another
•Support of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center
Our group is always open to interested people. There aren’t any dues or forms to fill out. If you would like to receive our
newsletter and program announcements, just send an email to genshoahswfl@ hmcec.org or liebro@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer to help with future programs, please let us know that, too!
Thank you to those who support our mission, read the newsletter, attend GenShoah programs and are members of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples. We do encourage membership at the Museum as we are an affinity organization with them. If you are not already a member of the Museum, please consider joining or making a donation.
