4 minute read
The 80th anniversary of the end of WWII
Let’s use this memory to create a better world
By Ida Margolis and Shelley Lieb
Among my interests are history and language. The year 2025 is the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and the anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. The historical significance of these two events can barely be comprehended. In addition to the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis (that is two out of every three European Jews) there were likely over 70 million casualties, both military and civilian. This is the deadliest conflict in human history, devasting for so many with consequences that lasted decades.
Many individuals have been quoted saying something similar to “Those who do not remember history are destined to repeat it.” There are many concerned that students today have little if any knowledge of history. And certainly, for many reasons, we should be remembering significant historical events. They can help us make better decisions in the present and future; understand our identity, change current problems; and learn about our shared past and connectedness to humankind.
With all the important reasons to study history, it is fascinating that there is no single word from ancient Hebrew that directly translates to "history" in the traditional sense. When speaking about "history" in modern Hebrew, the word used is "historia," which is borrowed from Greek. The closest concept in Hebrew is "memory" (zikaron). Interestingly, the word “yizkor” (same word as the word for the memorial prayer many of us are familiar with) means “remember.”
Thus, while history may refer to objective facts, memory seems to mean more. Our memories make us what we are. We are all links in a chain.
I saw a young man on YouTube say, “That is what Yom HaShoah should be all about.” It should be more than just a piece of history, although it is interesting that the date selected for commemorating Yom HaShoah is the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising — and that “memory” and “to remember” is what Yom HaShoah is all about. As the young man on YouTube suggested, we should use memory to help us build a brighter future and a better world.
Please attend the Yom HaShoah commemoration this year on Sunday, April 27, at 4 p.m. at Temple Shalom. The reception for survivors and GenShoah members is at 3 p.m. What better time than now to work together to build a better world.
GenShoah extends sincere thanks to Susan Suarez for her years of support for GenShoah. Congratulations on all she has done for the Museum; contributions too many to mention. We all wish her much happiness and a fulfilling next chapter. GenShoah warmly welcomes Erin Blankenship, the new museum president and CEO. We look forward to working together.
There may still be time to register for the excellent Genealogy workshop that will be presented by knowledgeable member Hank Bitterman on Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m. Contact liebro@gmail.com to RSVP. A show of historical interest, “Good Jew,” is being presented April 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 2 p.m. at the Norris Center at Cambier Park. Information can be found at www. good-jew.com. Register at Eventbrite with the code 15OFF for discount price or call the box office at 239-409-1588.
If you are a 2G or 3G, you can become part of history and our chain by writing your parents’ or grandparents’ story. An editor and help will be provided. Just e-mail GenShoahSWFL@hmcec.org. If you have any interest in preserving the history and memories of the Holocaust, you can join GenShoah. No charge and no obligation. You will always be welcome. GenShoah is only an e-mail away: GenShoahSWFL@hmcec.org.
