It can be difficult to share your family’s Holocaust history with the third or fourth generation—and it has become even more challenging with the surge of antisemitism that began even before October 7, 2023. Yet, it’s important for children to understand their family’s roots to contextualize modern events. Join Kol Israel Foundation for an engaging discussion about healthy ways to jumpstart the conversation with younger children and teenagers. Panelists are Rabbi Matt Cohen, Wendy Firestone, and Susan Ratner. Location: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Remembering Kristallnacht 85 Years Later

Join Kol Israel Foundation on the eve of the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht as our expert panelists discuss the significance of that tragic day, the lessons we should heed today, and what we can do to prevent a similar event in the future. The program will be moderated by KIF board member Sean Martin. Panelists are Kristallnacht Survivor Harry J. Abraham and Holocaust educators Mark B. Cole and Mark Swaim-Fox.

Moderator

Sean Martin, Ph.D.

• Associate Curator for Jewish History, Western Reserve Historical Society

• Adjunct Faculty, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, "The Holocaust and its Meaning," John Carroll University

• Board Member, Kol Israel Foundation

Panelists

Mark Swaim-Fox

• Executive Director, Facing History and Ourselves, Cleveland

• Chair, Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission

• Member, United Way of Greater Cleveland's Taskforce on Race and Equity

Harry J. Abraham

• Survivor, Kristallnacht

• Board Member, Kol Israel Foundation

Mark B. Cole, Ph.D.

• Executive Director, Holocaust & Genocide Education Network

• Associate Lecturer, Cleveland State University, History of Nazism and the Holocaust

New Home. New Exhibit. Greater Opportunities. Join us at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation to explore Kol Israel Foundation’s revamped exhibit and the inspiring stories they hold. Hear from Survivor Art Gelbart and connect with the community.

Kol Israel board members and staff will be on hand to answer questions about the Kol Israel Foundation Holocaust National Memorial, the first U.S. site dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust. Representatives will also share information about Kol Israel’s commitment to Holocaust education.

Kol Israel Foundation is a partner in the annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration.

Join Kol Israel Foundation and Park Synagogue for a virtual tour of an exhibit exploring the lives of artists before and after World War II and how they used art to resist and survive the Nazi regime. KIF’s Rose Viny, co-producer of the movie Escape From Treblinka, will lead a short discussion following the exhibit. FREE.

Kol Israel Foundation and Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust and heroism will include a candle-lighting ceremony, prayers, and remarks from Dr. Irving Berkowitz. Student entries from this year’s Creative Arts Contest will be on display. A virtual option is available for those who are unable to attend in person.

• Panel discussion about the importance of Holocaust education today, featuring three Hall of Fame alumni

• Theatrical and musical performances

• Unveiling of a school mural concept

• Testimonials about class impact

Join Cleveland’s Jewish community for a short walk against antisemitism and in memory of the 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. The route goes between the Maltz Museum and the Mandel JCC. Strollers and pets on leashes are welcome.