Page 9 - Jewish News_may2021

FEDERATION NEWS May 2021 9

Holocaust survivors reflect on the

Embracing Our Differences exhibit

By Joan Lowery and Anne Stein, Federation Holocaust Speakers Bureau volunteers
olocaust and Heroism Re- Venice and Temple Beth Israel, and humanity’s survival.
membrance Day is known sponsored by The Jewish Federation Their feelings were per-
Hcolloquially as Yom HaShoah. of Sarasota-Manatee, Holocaust sur- fectly captured by Venice
diverse films bring awareness of his-
torical and contemporary issues facing In English, it is also called Holocaust vivors Ginette Hersh and Felicia Liban resident Fran Squires’ quote,
Jews and Israelis. There are rewards of Remembrance Day or Holocaust Day. visited the Embracing Our Differences written on the Colors of
It is observed in Israel and throughout
outdoor art exhibit in Sarasota.
Change art piece: “Perhaps,
post-viewing conversations among at-
tendees and discussions facilitated by the globe as a day of commemoration The annual display features 50 bill- wearing a mask of love and
directors, filmmakers and JFF commit- for the six million Jews who perished board-sized images and quotes created tolerance, could end the pan-
tee members.” in the Holocaust as a result of the ac- by local, national and international art- demic of prejudice, hatred
Adrea, faced with antisemitism tions carried out by Nazi Germany, its ists, writers and students. Their works and discrimination.”
while living in Billings, Montana, collaborators and bystanders. It honors illustrate their interpretations of the Let’s honor our Holo-
points out that these discussions can the resistance and heroic actions taken theme, “Enriching lives through diver- Colors of Change by Meg Seymour caust survivors by striving
initiate solutions to current concerns in by both Jews and non-Jews during that sity.” Tri-Force Pictures owner Shaun to work harder to fulfill the
Israel and wherever Jews live. horrific period in our history. Greenspan volunteered to videotape share their insights about the rela- mission of Tikkun Olam so that we can
“I wish there had been a Federa- In preparation for the Yom Ha- the Holocaust survivors’ reflections as tionship between their Holocaust ex- bring the world to a harmonious state.
tion,” she says, “to stand with us, ad- Shoah Zoom service on April 7, orga- they toured the exhibit. periences and the artwork and quotes For more information on the Feder-
vising ways to counter the hatred.” nized by the Jewish Congregation of The purpose of their visit was to displayed in this year’s exhibit. ation’s Holocaust programming, please
Defying bigotry, Adrea became the The survivors were both young contact Trudi Krames at tkrames@
first Jewish woman in the state to be- Volunteer Spotlight...continued from previous page children during the Holocaust. Ginette jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0037.
come a member of the Junior League, Volunteering at Federation reinforces Having relocated to Sarasota 20 was hidden in several
an organization that trains and pro-my ideals.” years ago with her husband Jack, schools in France, and Feli-
motes volunteers for nonprofit boards. Acting on their values, both women Adrea has been an active ORT mem- cia was hidden by a Chris-
Volunteering is integral to both also helped create and co-chaired Fed- ber and chapter president. These ardent tian family in Poland.
women’s lives – at Federation and else-eration’s Israeli Chef Dinner, featuring volunteers – their signature – have par- Both women were es-
where. Chef Einat Admony, to commemorate ticipated in many other national Jewish pecially moved by the mes-
Adrea says, “I grew up surrounded Israel’s 70 anniversary. Adrea and her organizations. sages portrayed by three
th
by generations of a caring, giving fam-daughter Michelle Colburn were chairs Adrea has served on Temple Beth of the billboards and ac-
ily. My joy is watching our children of the Women’s Passover Seder: From Sholom committees. She and Meredith, companying quotes. They
and grandchildren give of themselves Generation to Generation. her fellow congregant, are working to noted that these pieces un-
to help others.” Adrea and Meredith became as- ensure that next year’s temple celebra- derscored the urgency of
Meredith values belonging to sociated with Federation in different tion featuring Cantor Azi Schwartz is a more kind, respectful,
a Jewish community that strives to ways. Adrea learned about the Jewish a success. caring, accepting and in-
strengthen Jewish identity within Sara-community and volunteer opportuni- Meredith’s volunteering includes clusive world. Ginette and
sota-Manatee. “I’m a staunch believ-ties by reading The Jewish News. assisting the Perlman Music Founda- Felicia expressed that these Ginette Hersh and Felicia Liban at the Embracing Our
er in organizations that support Israel Meredith’s introduction, on the tion, fundraising for Aviva Senior Liv- qualities hold the keys to Differences outdoor art exhibit in Sarasota
and provide for Jewish people in need. other hand, was through Irene Ross, ing (her 96-year-old mother’s home),

Meredith’s close Michigan friend and and serving on the Embracing Our
Federation volunteer, who introduced Differences Quotation Committee,
her and her husband Al to several oth- choosing the best quotes to comple-
er members, including Rich Bergman, ment its annual outdoor art exhibit at A concierge practice devoted to internal medicine and wellness.
Federation’s Major Gifts Officer. Bayfront Park.
Rich recognizes both women Supporting others and promoting
as highly motivated, intelligent and the arts are also integral to these wom-
task-oriented – giving their all to sup- en’s careers. As a private therapist and
porting Federation and Israel. “I was elementary-school counselor, Mere-
fortunate to get to know Meredith and dith promoted Tikkun Olam within the
Adrea while leading a Federation mis- non-Jewish community. Adrea’s work
sion trip to Israel.” at a fine arts museum has helped her
They noted that the trip strength- appreciate how visual arts can affect
ened their appreciation of Jewish his- public opinion.
tory and the belief that kindness and Meredith and Adrea share values, CHRISTOPHER S. LITTLE, M.D. and STEVEN W. FINEMAN, M.D.
giving of oneself is the future path to a cementing their strong friendship and EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. EXTRAORDINARY CARE.
better world. complementing each other. Adrea says,
Meredith has participated in sev- “Meredith is a blessing in my life.” Call (941) 954-9990
eral Federation programs, including These women also enjoy similar Visit www.sarasotapersonalmedicine.com
Lion of Judah, the Overseas Grant pastimes, including reading, golfing,
and Scholarship committees, and the outdoor exercise, entertaining and
Women’s Giving Circle – all embody- sharing time with friends and family.
ing her dedication to volunteering. She Meredith and Adrea look forward to
explains how the Women’s Giving traveling together.
Circle fosters camaraderie while em- Cheryl Shapiro summarizes the
powering members to be philanthro- lasting effect Adrea and Meredith have
pists, decision makers and change had on Opening Night: “We knew that
agents – enhancing the lives of needy this year, because of its unique format,
Jewish women and children in Israel. we would need creative leadership.
A proud past chair of this group, Adrea Adrea and Meredith planned the per-
attests to the untiring work of all vol- fect evening.”
unteers. Inaugurating the 12 year of the
th
Both women have been commit- JFF, these co-chairs helped “drive”
ted to LIFE & LEGACY®, which en- this event forward, avoiding “speed
sures the future financial stability of bumps” associated with Covid.
our Jewish community. Recipients of If you are interested in volunteering,
Federation’s Morasha (Legacy) Award, there are many ways to contribute and
Meredith and husband Al co-chaired be part of the volunteer life at the Fed-
the first two LIFE & LEGACY galas. eration. For more information, please
“Al and I believe in enjoying life’s contact Jeremy Lisitza, Director of In-
benefits and creating a legacy for fu- novation and Volunteer Engagement,
ture generations,” says Meredith. at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.