Preparing for a World without Witnesses

The Jewish Education Initiative (JEI) chose the passing of Holocaust survivors as the topic for this year's Yom Hashoah commemoration because this topic is becoming more and more important. As part of the generation that grew up with survivors who were relatives, grandparents, family friends, and neighbors it is hard to imagine a world without witnesses. We believed that opening a discussion on this topic now was crucial to start the conversation and inspire students and Charlottesville residents to look into what opportunities might arise for such a circumstance. 
Personally, I grew up listening to my friends' grandparents every year in a school-wide assembly. Many survivors lived in Dallas and we often heard them speak several times a year. Though I knew that generation would eventually pass, I was always hesitant to think of a world with no survivors, no one to tell the non-believers that they're misinformed. After meeting with Dr. Beorn and learning about his research, I realized he shone a light in an area I was afraid to explore. He highlighted many opportunities that arise from such circumstances and how they can actually help us learn more about the Holocaust. 

Personally, I grew up listening to my friends' grandparents every year in a school-wide assembly. Many survivors lived in Dallas and we often heard them speak several times a year. Though I knew that generation would eventually pass, I was always hesitant to think of a world with no survivors, no one to tell the non-believers that they're misinformed. After meeting with Dr. Beorn and learning about his research, I realized he shone a light in an area I was afraid to explore. He highlighted many opportunities that arise from such circumstances and how they can actually help us learn more about the Holocaust. 
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NBC29 reported on the event. Video coverage and a full article are available online: http://www.nbc29.com/story/31892033/uva-honors-holocaust-remembrance-week-with-guest-speaker

- Samantha Glazer
Class of 2017 and incoming JEI President