On Sunday April 15, 2012, the Holocaust Center in Maitland will host a program for Yom HaShoah at the gymnasium at the Jewish Community Center. It is a day set aside to recall the tragedy of the Holocaust, a time to remember Hitler’s six million Jewish victims, and an opportunity to honor the survivors, rescuers and liberators who keep those memories alive.
There will be a candle-lighting by Holocaust Survivors, prayers by leaders of different faiths, responsive readings and traditional music. Student winners of the Center’s Yom HaShoah Creative Arts Contest will be recognized.
The event, which begins at 4 PM, will include a presentation by Dr. Ellen Kennedy, founder and Executive Director of A World Without Genocide. She will share stories about the effects of war on children and provide concrete ways to make a difference. Included in her lecture will be a call to action for the Red Hand project, a worldwide initiative to stop the use of child soldiers.
Honorary Chair for the event is Pastor Jim Coffin, Executive Director of the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. Also participating will be Dr. Patrick Powers, Dean of Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College, Cantor Jacqueline Rawiszer, (Congregation of Reform Judaism) and Rabbi Hillel Skolnik, (Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation).
No admission is charged to attend the event, and reservations are not required. The Holocaust Center, 851 N Maitland Avenue, will be open from 1 PM to 4 PM that day so visitors can view the student art winning entries on display.