News flash: We’re all getting older

By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb

If you find yourself in a frozen yogurt shop on a Saturday night in Fort Myers, you are likely to encounter a much younger crowd. Here is a personal story to set the frame.

It was after dinner and attending a play with friends. We were all between 70-85 years of age and the numerous other patrons were in their early-mid teens. Just barely not old enough to drive. I felt like I had traded places with my earlier self when we would comment that we were among very few young people here.

The impact of aging has different challenges for each of us individually and for groups collectively. For GenShoah SWFL, it involves exploring if and how to involve the next generation — the third generation (3G). It also raises a bigger question of where the Holocaust is part of the legacy that gets enshrined into the "must know" category.

Florida Gulf Coast University is putting on a play about the Holocaust this November. It is called "Letters to Sala" and is based on the book “Sala's Gift” by Ann Kirschner. One of the issues raised in the play pertains to the tension between the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors about what to do with letters written during WWII between Sala (a survivor) and her family. Sala surprises her daughter (2G) with the letters as Sala nears the end of her life. The daughter wants to gift the letters to a local museum, but the two granddaughters (3G) in the household want to keep the letters as a personal remembrance.

Many Holocaust survivors voiced to their children and others that the world must never forget. That mantra has been a driving force for that second generation. As the 2G population gets older, is that mantra still potent? What happens when those who remember are gone? How do we carry this responsibility into the future? We must reach out to the younger crowd to create paths to answer these questions.

It is up to everyone in the Jewish community to remind and remember. In small and big ways, 2Gs must continue to hear the mantra to remember from their ancestors, and they must be vigilant in communicating it to their descendants. GenShoah SWFL is challenging its members to find a home for their parents' history that will be meaningful for future generations.

We are thankful for having reached this time and place in life, and we are hopeful that the footprints we have planted will guide future generations.

Upcoming programs

"Letters to Sala" play by Arlene Sutton (special event for GenShoah members): Nov. 3, 2 p.m. with talkback afterwards at the FGCU TheatreLab (Arts Complex). Other dates/times available; visit fgcu.edu/theatrelab.

Movies that Matter — The Steve Brazina Memorial Series (all online): “Pay or Die" Zoom Discussion/Q&A on Nov. 6 from 2-3 p.m. EDT. Fall series RSVP required; visit hmcec.org.

Book Discussion — “The People on the Beach: Journeys to Freedom After the Holocaust” by Rosie Whitehouse on Nov.14, 11 a.m. at Temple Beth Tikvah of Naples. Rosie Whitehouse, a journalist, started with the manifest of one of the ships that brought displaced persons to Palestine soon after the end of the Holocaust. She follows the stories wherever they lead her. RSVP required; email ekafer520@ gmail.com.

Kristallnacht Commemoration (Catholic Jewish Dialogue) on Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Naples. A solemn program coordinated to involve the diverse members of our community and remember the event that is considered the beginning of the Holocaust. A speech by Holocaust survivor John Koenigsberg highlights this year's program. RSVP at jewishnaples.org.

Also of interest

The DOROT organization offers special 2G lectures and programs. Learn with and from each other in a variety of settings and on different topics. Visit dorotusa. org/2Gprograms.

Participate in our free virtual film series. “Always Remember” is a six-month series of free, virtual screenings designed to raise Holocaust awareness through cinema. We’ll offer a selection of films designed to amplify unique voices and experiences relating to the Holocaust, highlighting LGBTQ+ stories, women’s perspectives, stories of resistance, youth experiences and more. Visit filmindependent.org/presents/ always-remember.

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. 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 us an email. If you would like to volunteer to help with future programs, please let us know that, too!

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.