Celebrating Life
Stories of Holocaust Survivors
What:
The Hubs are communities of practice that provide a platform for ongoing training, collaborative learning, sharing best practices, problem-solving, intellectual enrichment, and inspiration.
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Why:
Are we doing all we can for Holocaust survivors? Perhaps not enough.
While most Holocaust remembrance days and events emphasize the calamities of the Holocaust, in this Hub we would like to spotlight the life stories of the survivors and the resilience they have demonstrated. What lessons can we all learn from those who chose life against all odds?
JCC Global brings together JCC Krakow and its new initiative: Holocaust Survivor Day and Zikaron BaSlaon (a memory in the living room) to present ways in which we can celebrate the achievements of Holocaust survivors while at the same time, listening and acknowledging their stories of loss and sorrow. The Hub will help JCC professionals and lay leaders design and implement Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah and Holocaust Survivor Day in a meaningful and creative way.
When:
Final dates TBD.
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Peak yearly dates for possible programming:
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January 27, 2023- International Holocaust Remembrance Day
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April 27, 2023 – Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah
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June 26, 2023 – Holocaust Survivor Day
Language: English, with simultaneous translation to Russian and Spanish upon request
Target Audience: JCC Executive Directors, JCC Program Directors, JCC lay leaders and professionals involved in JCC programming who are committed to designing and implementing community events related to the Hub’s topic.
Cost: $100 per person or $200 per JCC sending up to 3 participants
For communities in need, subsidies will be available upon request
Goals:
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Explore themes of memory, identity and life’s journey as they relate to Holocaust education and commemoration.
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Acknowledge and appreciate the achievements of Holocaust survivors in all spheres of life and their contribution to their local Jewish communities and beyond.
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Design and implement programs that celebrate the lives of Holocaust survivors and connect with them and their descendants on a personal level.
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Outline of the virtual meetings:
1. What do Holocaust survivors want us to remember? with Prof. Hanna Yablonka, renowned Israeli historian and scholar.
The session will open with getting to know the participants and the ways in which the memory of the Holocaust resonates in their lives.
2. Zikaron BaSalon – the Why and the How with Sharon Buenos, Global Director, Zikaron BaSalon.
Everything you need to know about this grassroots initiative; from understanding why it started to reviewing a detailed tool kit on how to organize and host a local event
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Call for action: Recruit host families
3. Meet the survivors from around the world and experience a zoom Zikaron BaSalon first hand.
A model Zikaron BaSalon with Holocaust survivors from around the world.
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Call for action: Implement a local Zikaron BaSalon event on
April 27, 2022 – Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah
4. Why a day for Holocaust Survivors? A panel discussion facilitated by Jonathon Ornstein, Executive Director, JCC Krakow, and founder of Holocaust Survivors Day.
Noted scholars and educators from around the world will share their insights and engage in an open discussion on the importance of adding such a day to the Jewish calendar.
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Call for action: Design a Holocaust Survivor Day in your​
5. Planning Holocaust Survivors Day that will take place on Sunday, June 26th, 2022.
Creating a timeline and connection between Holocaust Day and Holocaust Survivor Day. Discuss best practices and practical ways of developing the right event for your community.
6. Wrap-up session
Lessons learned from the Hub and how can global connections enhance the local experience. Then, get ready towards implementing Holocaust Survivor Day on June 26.
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Call for action: Final plans for Holocaust Survivor Day
