Posted April 23, 2023 in Press Releases
Intergenerational Experience Features Witnesses to History
Cleveland, OH – April 23—Holocaust Survivors and their family members will relate their histories of concentration camp life and death, survival in forests and treacherous escapes from the Nazis. They will encourage visitors to Walk the Story on Sunday, May 21 at Wiggins Place, 27070 Cedar Rd. from 1-5 pm. The event includes visuals bringing the Holocaust to life and leading to a self-guided experience.
Attendees will discover the historical overview of the Holocaust, including the timeline of events from the beginning to the present day. They will gain insight as speakers, Kol Israel docents and Menorah Park residents share their stories. The encounters will culminate in a group commitment to Never Forget and to practice tolerance and kindness to combat hate.
Holocaust speakers include Alice Schubach telling her late husband’s story of experiencing Kristallnacht, watching his father taken to Dachau and escaping to Cleveland; Allen Binstock, born in a Displaced Persons Camp whose parents were Holocaust Survivors; Peggy Dorfman, whose parents courageously escaped the Nazis; Stephen Wertheim, who tells his father’s harrowing experiences, and Sonja Schwartz who survived the many horrors of the Holocaust as a young child.
“We encourage parents and grandparents to bring their children so that they understand what happens when hate is unleashed. In this age of increased antisemitism, it is critical that young people learn about the Holocaust,” said Hallie Duchon, executive director, Kol Israel Foundation. “We teach the lessons of the Holocaust at schools and at outreach events such as this.”
“We think that senior living residences such as Wiggins Place are important venues for these lessons,” said Menorah Park President and COO Diane Liliestedt. “Here is where the people who lived through WWII reside. They are the ones who were witnesses to history and credible story tellers. We must rely on them to let our younger generations understand the threat antisemitism poses today. Collaboration between our organizations magnifies the message,” she continued.
Light refreshments will be served and shuttle service will be available from the additional parking located on the south side of Stone Gardens. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested by calling 216-360-8202 or emailing communityrelations@menorahpark.org.
