News Summary
The Greenville Jewish Federation is set to host a significant event on January 27, 2025, honoring the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. The memorial at the Pastides Alumni Center will feature notable speakers, a candle lighting ceremony, and musical performances. This event aims to foster community unity and remembrance, with live-stream options for wider accessibility. With a focus on combating antisemitism through education, the federation continues to emphasize the importance of historical reflection and community strength.
Greenville Gears Up for Historic Commemoration of Auschwitz Liberation
In a heartfelt celebration of history and resilience, the Greenville Jewish Federation is preparing to commemorate the remarkable 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. This meaningful event will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Pastides Alumni Center in Columbia, South Carolina, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The memorial promises a day filled with reflection, remembrance, and community spirit, drawing attendees from Upstate South Carolina and beyond.
A Community United in Memory
Organized by the esteemed South Carolina Council on the Holocaust, in partnership with the University of South Carolina’s Anne Frank Center, the event will showcase a series of moving tributes led by notable speakers, including a highlight appearance by NBC’s Chuck Todd and Governor Henry McMaster. These key figures are set to share reflections that remind everyone of the importance of remembering the past, particularly in challenging times.
Candle Lighting Ceremony and Spiritual Reflections
The program is set to include a poignant candle lighting ceremony, featuring children of Holocaust survivors, a touching reminder of the legacy and history that continues to shape the Jewish community. Adding a spiritual touch, Rev. Eric Manning from the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, along with Rabbi Erik Uriate from Tree of Life Reform Congregation and Rabbi Sam Rose from Temple of Israel Congregation in Greenville, will offer their reflections, further enriching the event’s emotional resonance.
Musical Performances and National Pride
To honor this solemn occasion, the Fort Jackson Color Guard and the 282nd Army Band will present the national anthem and colors, instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among attendees. The celebratory atmosphere will be enhanced by musical performances from the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim and talented participants from the University of South Carolina School of Music, making it a multi-sensory experience steeped in remembrance and community unity.
Onlookers Can Join In
For those unable to attend in person, rest assured this significant event will be accessible to everyone! The memorial will be live-streamed by local broadcasting platforms, ensuring that the powerful messages and emotional undertones can reach a broader audience eager to participate in this moment of remembrance.
Strengthening Community Ties
At a time when communities are looking for connections and unity, Courtney Tessler, CEO of the Greenville Jewish Federation, emphasizes the importance of reflecting on themes of liberation and history, particularly amid troubled times. The federation’s commitment to serving and strengthening the Jewish community in Greenville, and the neighboring counties remains unwavering.
Educational Outreach and Support Initiatives
The Greenville Jewish Federation aims to unite individuals around a common Jewish identity and works tirelessly to gain recognition as a vital part of the broader community. One way they’re achieving this is by reaching out to over 1,300 students across Upstate South Carolina with Hanukkah classroom kits, which focus on the holiday’s historical significance. With Hanukkah falling on December 25 this year, known as the Festival of Lights, the lessons symbolize resilience and perseverance—a timely message for youth and families alike.
Combatting Antisemitism Through Education
In light of recent troubling events, including attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, the federation has ramped up its outreach efforts, transitioning from an all-volunteer group to a staffed organization under Tessler’s leadership since Spring 2023. Prioritizing educational programming, support services, and community-building initiatives, the federation is dedicated to combating antisemitism through education and advocacy, striving to reshape perceptions through visibility and engagement.
Looking Ahead
Ahead of this meaningful landmark event, the Greenville Jewish Federation is working towards passing hate crime legislation in South Carolina to further protect against antisemitism. Community members can stay informed and involved in upcoming initiatives and programs by visiting the federation’s website, making it a hub for connection and information.
As the Greenville community comes together to honor the 80th anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation, it’s clear that moments of reflection like these pave the way for understanding, compassion, and unity—a legacy worth celebrating.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Jewish Federation Brings Light and Support
- Wikipedia: Hanukkah
- Greenville Journal: Butterfly Project Honors Holocaust Victims
- Google Search: Holocaust Education
- Greenville Online: Kristallnacht Commemoration Event
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Holocaust
- eJewish Philanthropy: Hope for a Better Year
- Google News: Antisemitism
