Important programs for discussion and action set virtually

By Ida Margolis, GenShoah Chair

Even now, when we cannot gather for face-to-face programs and discussion, important programs and the opportunity for discussion can be brought to you. GenShoah SWFL, with the help of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, will present programs consistent with its mission that includes promotion of Holocaust education and human rights.

Movies That Matter

In October, GenShoah is one of the sponsors of Movies That Matter, a series of human rights films. All of the issues presented in the films are extremely important and relevant, and the local relationship of these issues will be discussed by a panel of experts following the films. You will find more information about Movies That Matter, including how to view the films and zoom discussions on page 16 of this issue.

After viewing these films and listening to the discussions, hopefully many people will be motivated to act to help make a difference. Indeed, that is the mission of Movies That Matter: “We can make a difference.” And since these films and panels are virtual this year, you can help by informing your friends about Movies That Matter, wherever they live.

Kristallnacht

The annual Kristallnacht Commemoration will be presented on Sunday, November 8 at 2:30 p.m. Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass,” is often said to be the night the Holocaust began. To get the Zoom link for this program register at jewishnaples.org. For more information about this program, see page 13 .

Heroes, Heroines and Helpers

On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, a very special program will be presented, featuring Pastor Chris Edmonds, son of Master Sergeant Roddy Edmonds, who, during WWII, saved over 200 Jewish servicemen. You will not want to miss the inspirational story of a true hero, who is one of only five Americans awarded the title, “Righteous among the Nations,” Israel’s highest honor for non-Jews who risked their own lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

The program about Roddy Edmonds is among those related to this year’s special theme of “Heroes, Heroines and Helpers.” Future important and inspirational programs about heroes will be announced in upcoming issues of the Federation Star and in the GenShoah e-newsletter.

A variety of upcoming programs include those that will feature local survivors and their rescuers, and 2gs will have an opportunity to tell a story about a hero in their life.

If you would like more information about programs or joining GenShoah, or if you would like to receive the GenShoah newsletter, contact Ida at genshoahswfl@gmail.

Some of the Zoom presentations are being recorded and are available on the Museum’s YouTube channel. To access them, search for Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in YouTube.

Telling your story

GenShoah has asked for children of Holocaust survivors to help accept the responsibility of telling their parent’s story. We have asked that the stories be written in the format below:

• 500-700 words

• Include appropriate geographical background

• Be certain that historical facts contained are accurate

• Include a personal highlight

• Include a photograph

The stories, which may be edited, will be available to the public and used for instructional purposes in print and/or digital format at the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center of Southwest Florida. They may also be printed in a book that can be a valuable keepsake. For more information, contact Rochelle at liebro@gmail.com.