Holocaust Survivor Day
In March 2021, Holocaust scholar Michael Berenbaum and JCC Krakow Executive Director Jonathan Ornstein published an op-ed in The Jerusalem Post calling for the creation of a "Holocaust Survivor Day." In their words, "Holocaust survivors deserve a day of joy; a day of celebration. Not a day to share with condemnation of the Nazis, but a day to celebrate their lives they built in response to the Holocaust. Survivors represent the best in all of us, the best of the human spirit. They are our treasure and our light and we must shine that light into every dark corner of our world.” HSD is June 26, birthday of noted Polish Holocaust survivor and human rights activist Marian Turski, 94. Because of Shabbat, this year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, June 24th. Holocaust Survivor Day is, at its essence, a day for and about Holocaust Survivors. We want to honor them and tell their stories; celebrate their lives and thank them for all they mean to the Jewish People. We aim to encourage organizations and individuals to join this new initiative and make a difference in the lives of the survivors through a program that best fits your local community. You can also join the official HSD online programs on June 24th here: https://www.holocaustsurvivorday.com/june24event
Ride for the Living
Ride For The Living is a comprehensive fitness experience commemorating the Holocaust and honoring the rebirth of the Jewish community in Krakow, Poland. RFTL combines Holocaust education with a memorable 60-mile bike ride from the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau to JCC Krakow, giving participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in Krakow’s Jewish past, present, and future. You can participate in this meaningful event from the comfort and safety of your own community. Throughout June, bike, run, or walk your way to 60 miles with your normal RFTL team over the course of a month, week, weekend, or day and keep in touch with other participants to share your progress and goals.
RFTL website: https://ridefortheliving.org/
JCC Krakow Part of JCC Global Kol Isha Project
JCC Krakow has been an active partner of JCC Global’s Amitim program cohorts 1 and 2. During Amitim 1, the JCC partnered with Ginot Hair Community Council in Jerusalem and the Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Adam- Adamah ecology and Judaism project. In Amitim 2, they partnered with the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto, California and Migavnim Ramat Hasharon community centers for the Kol Isha project. In addition to the global connections, the participants in Krakow created their first Women’s Haggadah with its original 10 Plagues.