Page 15 - Jewish News _August 2021_

FEDERATION NEWS August 2021 15A

Holocaust Speakers Bureau inspires thousands

of students and community members

By Anne Stein, Chair, Holocaust Speakers Bureau
“ hile it is important to learn for sharing their stories. These heart- repeated for these students.” And an- tions to carry on the stories of their
about the Holocaust, it is felt comments are treasured by the sur- other teacher commented, “Your story families.
Weven more important that vivors and bring them much joy. One touched my heart and I want you to A number of years ago, Genera-
we learn the lessons of the Holocaust.” student commented, “Listening to your know that I am deeply committed to tions After, a group comprised of local
This is a quote from Dr. Helen Fagin, a heart-wrenching story, I started to tear teaching the Holocaust and informing children and grandchildren of Holo-
Polish Holocaust survivor and educator up. Your story of survival moved me my students about this horrific event in caust survivors, was formed. Spon-
who lives in Sarasota. Dr. Fagin start- and I will remember you for the rest of history so that it isn’t forgotten and will sored by The Jewish Federation of
ed The Jewish Federation of Sara- my life.” Another shared, “We simply never be repeated. Rest assured that as Sarasota-Manatee, its members at the
sota-Manatee’s Holocaust Speakers learn history from books and videos, long as I am teaching, I will be includ- time of its inception participated in
Bureau. Carolyn Kaplan was also one both their own group programming as
of the founders and ran the program well as in Holocaust-related communi-
for many years until I took it over in ty events. Although the group has been
2014. mostly dormant for the past few years,
Through the Bureau, local Holo- Generations After is becoming more
caust survivors visit schools, church- active because there are now many
es, synagogues, social groups, book new families with Holocaust history
clubs and assisted living facilities. in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The
They tell their personal stories of sur- children and grandchildren of Holo-
vival and share their “love for living” caust survivors have much in common,
even though they went through hell. want to connect with each other and be
They are dedicated to doing whatever involved in Federation events. Many
they can to reinforce the importance of have expressed a desire to become
Holocaust education. They especially speakers for the Holocaust Speak-
like to talk to students to inspire the ers Bureau. If you are a “Generations
next generations to treat all human be- After” and are interested in joining
ings with kindness and dignity. the group or need more information,
Since its inception, tens of thou- please contact Co-Chair David Grace
sands of children and adults have been at david@abacuswebservices.com.
fortunate to hear directly from the sur- To schedule a speaking engage-
vivors and have been affected by their Max Weisglass shares his story about the Holocaust at Haille Middle School ment with a Holocaust survivor or for
live testimonials of survival. but for me, since I was able to witness ing this as part of my curriculum.” more information about the Bureau,
Simon Wiesenthal said, “The Ho- your speech and have the chance to Sadly, our Holocaust survivors are please contact me at luvhula@gmail.
locaust was not only a Jewish tragedy, talk to you, it is a priceless memory, aging and we are the last generation com or 941.923.6470. For more infor-
but also a human tragedy.” and I will not forget you or your story.” to be able to have face-to-face contact mation on the Federation’s Holocaust
Over the years, the survivors have One teacher, after hearing from a with them. When all of our beloved Education and Programming, contact
received many letters from students survivor, said, “I cried and thought this survivors are no longer with us, it will Bette Zaret at bzaret@jfedsrq.org or
and teachers expressing appreciation is a moment in time that may never be be up to the second and third genera- 941.228.3676.

we for you

because we CARE about you.

We believe your doctor should get to know you personally, have
the flexibility to see you at any time, and commit to delivering

benefit-oriented care and advice tailored to your unique needs.

Discover how LernerCohen puts the CARE in Healthcare.

Schedule a meet and greet to see if concierge care is right for you.

The Doctor Is In. Always.™

941.953.9080 • LernerCohen.com
1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 814 • Sarasota, FL 34239
Dr. Brad S. Lerner | Dr. Louis M. Cohen | Dr. James R. Cocco | Dr. Amy M. Roth