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Various virtual programs -- including some from the Mahoning Valley -- will be broadcast online Tuesday to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
Bonnie Deutsch Burdman, director of community relations / government affairs of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, said starting at noon Tuesday, local residents can take part and watch broadcasts from Youngstown and Pittsburgh.
Locally, the winners of the Jewish Community Relations Council annual Holocaust writing, art and multi-media contest will be announced following a virtual Yom Hashoah commemoration.
Burdman said the theme of the this year's commemoration is "75 Years Since Liberation," which marks the time since the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps where the world discovered first-hand the horror of the Holocaust.
Yom Hashoah is an internationally recognized day set aside to remember all victims of the Holocaust and reminding society of what can happen to people when bigotry, hatred and indifference reign, according to the Jewish Federation website.
"We had originally planned for holding events as we usually do at the Mahoning County Courthouse, but everything has changed and programs will be held virtually. We encourage people to watch the events," she said.
EVENTS SCHEDULE
The first event is at noon with the Pittsburgh Holocaust Center's virtual commemoration at www. jewishpgh.org/event/yom -hashoah-commemora tion-2020. She said it is recommended to register ahead of time for viewing.
The local event will begin around 12:45 p.m. with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger of Temple El Emeth in Liberty and Rabbi Frank Muller of Congregation Rodef Sholom of Youngstown who will share their personal reflections of being the children of Holocaust survivors and also announce the winners of the contests.
Burdman said Schonberger and Muller will provide the local narrative and tell their personal stories. Muller led the first virtual Passover Seder earlier this month.
Burdman said the contest was open to students in grades seventh to 12th in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys with this year's theme "Why We Must Remember: Honoring the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz."
"We were excited that despite everything that has taken place., We had entries for the contests." she said.
Event organizers said this year's theme as taught by the United States Holocaust Museum is a reminder that it is important to curse the darkness of the past and illuminate the future while acknowledging the humanity in all people so the world can be left in a better place for posterity.
Burdman said on Sunday, there was a special online program hosted by the Partnership2Gether family. That Yom Hashoah event was led by second-generation survivors from Toledo, Budapest and western Galilee.
Burdman said the "Memories in the Living Room," second generation speakers shared family stories from the time of the Holocaust, followed by a question-and -answer session and a virtual candle lighting.
"They had hoped to have survivors meet in person but that had to be changed with social distancing to protect everyone," she said.
There is also a variety of online programs in the upcoming week.
l Partnership2-Together and western Galilee host Israel's Memorial and Independence Days at noon April 26. There will be Israeli songs and folk dances, stortyme for children, personal stories of fallen stories from the WG, an art workshop and cooking instruction. Join at www.facebook. com/p2gwgailil
l Virtual Global Celebration for Israel's 72nd birthday will be 2 p.m. April 29 for Israel's Independence Day. The Jewish Federation of North America will host the event, which allows people from around the world to unite digitally and celebrate Israel at www.facebook. com/events/609280006321567/
For help accessing the events, call 330-406-9533.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com