By Sandra Scheller
LA JOLLA, California — Holocaust survivors, their families, and supporters gathered solemnly at the Jewish Community Center on Sunday to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.
This year’s observance held special significance as it marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Holocaust, a poignant milestone in honoring the memory of the six million Jews who perished.
The event opened with a deeply moving candle-lighting ceremony, led by Holocaust survivors Francheska Gelbart, Anita Fuchs, Gerald Szames, Lou Pechi, Mike and Manya Wallenfels, and Dr. Edith Eva Eger. Each flame illuminated the room with reverence, serving as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring legacy of those who lived through unimaginable horrors.
The keynote address was delivered by Vlad Khaykin of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, who emphasized the importance of memory in the fight against antisemitism and hate. His words served as a reminder that the lessons of the Holocaust remain painfully relevant in today’s world.
Receiving a standing ovation was San Diego City Councilman Raul Campillo’s address recognizing the importance of a permanent Holocaust museum to be established in 2028.
A particularly touching segment of the program came when Joe Fox and the daughters of survivor Gerald Szames—Elle Szames, Susanne Szames, and Deborah Walsh—took the stage to share powerful family stories. Their reflections offered a personal glimpse into the impact of survival across generations, evoking both tears and a sense of shared history among the audience.
Music was also a centerpiece, with Eileen Wingard, Myla Wingard, Jeff Myers, and Sarah Dabby performing a stirring rendition of Es Brent (“It Is Burning”). The Yiddish song, historically associated with the burning of Jewish towns and the loss of Jewish life, brought the room to a hush. As the performers delivered the haunting piece, attendees reflected on the lives, dreams, and culture destroyed during the Holocaust.
The ceremony was a powerful blend of memory, education, and resilience—a reminder that even eight decades later, the voices of survivors and their families remain vital in shaping our collective understanding of history.
As part of the program, my video featuring San Diego Holocaust survivors and content from RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust Exhibit—were shown. One of the videos was successfully played during the event, offering a moving visual of the Holocaust exhibit
Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, a second video could not be shown as planned.
As the candles burned, the community left with a renewed commitment to remembrance and a solemn promise: Never Again.
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Sandra Scheller is the curator of Remember Us The Holocaust exhibit at the La Jolla branch library.