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Yeshiva University HS (Central) Seniors from Long Island Participate in Unique Holocaust Project, “Names Not Numbers” The dramatic screening of “Names, Not Numbers©” at Yeshiva University High School for Girls in Holliswood, Queens, took place two days after Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). The school was named after Samuel H. Wang, an ardent Zionist, who used his ships to transport necessary goods as early as pre-State Israel. He lived in Kings Point, Long Island with his wife Gloria and their family, and passed away many years ago. Over 250 people attended Central’s 12th grade Holocaust Memorial film documentary project—“Names, Not Numbers.” 32 seniors were privileged to interview and film eight survivors: Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, a participant in the Kindertransport; Professor Carla Beeber, a member of the famed Finzi-Contini family; Mrs. Fay Brandwein who fled the Brody ghetto; Rabbi Chaim Schwartzblatt, a partisan; Mrs. Alice Bodner and Mrs. Chaya Rubin, survivors of Auschwitz; Mrs. Margot Zarny, who was hidden in a convent and Mrs. Lyuba Abramovitch, a partisan. It is now, after this memorable event,
that the YUHSG students and that night’s audience have the sacred mission of passing down these stories to future generations. “Names, Not Numbers” (NNN) is a copyrighted oral history film project and curriculum created by Yeshiva University High Schools’ Tova Fish-Rosenberg. The curriculum, transforms traditional history lessons into a lively, interactive, nontraditional program that involves individuals who Auschwitz survivor Alice Bodner (to right of placard) was interviewed by Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High have actually lived through School (Central) Seniors from Long island (L-R) Chana Setareh-Shenas of Roslyn, Limor Brody of Great Neck, Elizabeth Snyder of Cedarhurst, and Ilana Spirgel of Great Neck (2nd from right on placard) for “Names, Not the history being taught. Stu- Numbers” project. Mrs. Tova Fish-Rosenberg, Project Creator ,is at right. Rabbi Daniel Mayer (back row left, on dents acquire documentary placard) was the faculty cordinator for the project. filmmaking skills, interview and film eyewitnesses, and da, with more than 1,500 Middle School and Yeshiva Har Torah in Queens, SAR ultimately create a Holocaust oral his- and High School Yeshiva students inter- in Riverdale, HAFTR in the Five Towns, tory film documentary that will be- viewing more than 300 Holocaust sur- Hillel Torah in Chicago, Emery Weiner come a permanent part of the National vivors. Besides YUHSG, other schools School in Houston, Margolin Yeshiva in Library of Israel, Yad Vashem and Ye- who participated in NNN include Ye- Memphis and Netivot Ha’Torah in Toshiva University’s Gottesman Library. shiva University High School for Boys ronto. “Names, Not Numbers” has been pro- in Manhattan, Moriah Day School in duced 40 times over the last decade Englewood, Yeshiva Central Queens throughout the United States and Cana-
How Strong is Your Support for Israel? Have you ever asked yourself this question? If you had to give yourself a letter grade, what would it be? How would you measure the quality of your support? Do you visit Israel often? Do you support Israeli causes? Do you sign petitions supporting Israel? That’s a good starting point. But let’s get a little more sophisticated… Have you ever ventured outside your comfort zone to advocate on behalf of Israel? Have you encouraged others to support Israeli causes? Have you contributed towards the support of the IDF soldiers who bravely protect our Homeland? Let’s take it even a step further: Would you visit Israel’s vulnerable communities, the so-called “disputed” territories, to show local residents your support? Have you ever stepped foot in a real bomb shelter to see and feel firsthand the terrifying realities that many Israelis face on a constant basis? These are some important questions to answer. Let’s face it: today, in 2013, Israel
faces some of the most frightening threats that it has faced since its founding – existential threats from Iran, military threats from its neighbors and political threats from the international community. The country, its communities and residents need our support more than ever! So no matter how you answered the questions above, now is the time for all of us to put in extra effort to improve our grade. Where do you start? With so many options available to support Israel, it can be difficult to decide where your help will make the most difference or where your money can actually make a real impact on the larger picture. If you want one surefire way to give the most meaningful contribution of time or resources, find the people or organizations that help the modern day pioneers of Israel – the men and women who valiantly choose to live their lives and raise their families in the vulnerable communities of YESHA – the Hebrew acronym for the areas of Judea and Samaria and what once were beautiful
communities in Gaza. These are the unsung heroes that are literally transforming the facts on the ground, populating the land that has been ours for millennia, yet constantly at-risk to being forfeited to concessions and withdrawals. We need to do everything we can to show our support and help these 360,000+ residents in any way that we can. Whether they need basic amenities to help their community flourish or sophisticated security and emergency medical equipment to keep their families safe, it is our responsibility to come to their aid. They are courageously standing on the front lines on behalf of you, your family and the rest of the Jewish people. At the forefront of this effort is One Israel Fund (oneisraelfund.org). For nearly two decades, One Israel Fund has provided a variety of humanitarian needs, including crucial security systems, to keep towns and villages safe. You may not realize it, but regardless
of what you may hear about ceasefires and lulls in fighting, terrorists continue to plan attacks on Jewish towns – especially those in Judea and Samaria – unabated. Incidents are occurring almost on a daily basis, but few of us are even aware of it. You see, while the media is heralding presidential visits and restarting failed peace talks, below the surface there is a daily threat that continues to menace so many Israelis – the threat of homegrown terrorism. The threat is real and frightening to the brave families who live in harm’s way, but One Israel Fund is at the forefront, on the ground, making a massive impact in the area. If there is one thing you do today to increase your support of Israel and improve your grade, make a donation to One Israel Fund. Their 19th Annual Dinner is taking place next week and it is our opportunity to do something tangible and meaningful on behalf of our beloved homeland. You can participate online at oneisraelfund.org or by calling their office at 516.239.9202.
Photo credit: Danielle Snyder
T h e J e w i s h H o m e n A P R I L 1 8 , 2013, 2013
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