Holocaust

We Empower Young People When We Educate Them Against Hate

When beloved Sesame Street Muppet Elmo becomes the subject of an antisemitic firestorm on social media, it tells us something is deeply broken. What once felt safe and innocent—symbols of kindness and inclusion—can now be twisted into platforms for hate. [Linda Ambrus Broenniman]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Historical Fiction Captures, for One Family Group, the Sweep of the Holocaust and Aftermath

Moises transcribed and translated an oral history taped in Spanish and Yiddish by his mother. Sherry blended Hinda’s account with historic research and fictional characters whom she extrapolated from Hinda’s remembrance into a rich and suspenseful novel. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Will Stolpersteine Be Necessary in the U.S. Under Trump’s Deportation Policy?

As I read stone after stone- often multiple stones at one household, I sadly reflected on the parallels of what unfolded in 1930’s Germany and what is unfolding in this country within our own neighborhoods. [Lisa Ashkins]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

California Approves $14.5 Million Fund to Aid Holocaust Survivors

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFSSD) alongside six other Jewish Family Service agencies statewide, the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) and the Jewish Caucus advocated for the funding that will be distributed this fiscal year. [Press Release]

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California, Holocaust, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County

Lots of Tchotchkes for Purchase at San Diego County Fair

As my “super cool teens” enjoyed the rides at the San Diego County Fair, I stepped into the “Student Showcase” section to look for any Jewish gems, or other inspirational pieces, among the collection. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Broadway Musicals Proven to be One Place for Us Jews

The performance’s creator and writer, Becca Myers, welcomed the audience with witty verses, setting a delightful tone before the musical journey began. The show then opened powerfully with the ensemble singing Irving Berlin’s iconic “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” immediately building an energetic and celebratory atmosphere. From there, the show skillfully navigated the rich landscape of American musical theater shaped by Jewish talent. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Holocaust Memoir a Cut Above Others

Alexander Kimel, who survived the Holocaust, initially wrote a memoir brimming with anecdotes.  To this work, his son, Martin Kimel, appended extensive annotations compiled from histories, oral testimonies, and contemporary memoirs.  The result is a grander work that has academic rigor and a personal touch. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Biography: Victor Klemperer Embraced Germany But His Love Was Unrequited

After the establishment of the Nazi regime, Klemperer began keeping a diary about the “language of the Third Reich” – Lingua Tertii Imperii (Latin titles). After the war, based on these diaries, he compiled a book dedicated to LTI, which he called The Philologist’s Diary. This book brought him fame and became a “monument of Holocaust literature.” [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Varied TICO Program Delights JCC Concertgoers

TICO opened with a spirited reading of Glinka’s Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla, under the baton of their founder and conductor, David Amos. The violins scampered up and down the fingerboard in rapid runs and the cellos sang out their Slavic folk melody with confidence. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Holocaust, International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

From the Broken Pieces of the Past, the Rebbe Built a New Future

The young generation needed to understand that being Jewish was not a burden or a historical tragedy, but a privilege and a source of strength. With incredible foresight, the Rebbe devoted his life to building a thriving future for Jews worldwide by establishing over 5,000 Chabad centers in more than 100 countries. [Rabbi Shmuly Begun)

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Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

State Budget Bill Includes Funds to Support Security of Jewish Institutions, Care for Holocaust Survivors

The state’s budget agreement includes an unprecedented investment to support aging Holocaust survivors – along with critical funding to protect Jewish institutions and vulnerable communities across the state! [David Bocarsly]

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Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Women Around the World Have Demonstrated ‘Chutzpah’ for Millennia

Beautifully illustrated, Chutzpah Girls tells the stories of remarkable Jewish women from biblical times through the present with six continents represented. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Iran Must Desist from its Attempts to Wipe Israel off the Map

The ideologues of Iran’s Islamic Revolution believe that the return of the Mahdi is tied to Israel’s destruction. The Mahdi, in Shia Islam, is a messianic figure—roughly comparable to the Messiah in Jewish and Christian traditions. According to belief, he disappeared in the 9th century and will return at the end of time to bring justice and defeat evil. [Yakov Nayerman]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Yakov Nayerman