Never Forget is more than a motto
Remember loved ones with Kol Israel on September 27
Sadly, our community has lost 16 Holocaust Survivors since last Rosh Hashanah—and those are only the deaths Kol Israel Foundation knows about. Soon, the last of our beloved Survivors will leave us, taking with them:
Firsthand accounts of some of the worst atrocities ever perpetrated against humankind
Fierce pushback to those who deny the Holocaust occurred
Lessons about the consequences of all forms of hatred
Appeals to speak up against injustice
Steady reminders of how the human spirit can prevail during the darkest times
Optimism for a better future for all of humanity
HONORING AND REMEMBERING
KIF and Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Annual Fall Memorial is more important than ever this High Holiday season. With anti-Semitism and anti-immigration rampant across the country—and, indeed, right here in Cleveland—we must light candles and say prayers for the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust as well as Survivors who later settled in Cleveland and have since passed away. The Annual Fall Memorial is also an opportunity to honor living Survivors, who, despite the painful memories it summons, tirelessly teach the community important lessons about the Holocaust and promoting civility. Memorializing and honoring victims during this challenging period in our own lives renews KIF’s commitment to Remembrance, Resilience, and Holocaust Education.
Because of the pandemic, the September 27 program will look different this year, but we assure you it will be just as meaningful. Families may register for 20-minute time slots. At the appointed time, your family will be invited to approach the Memorial to light a candle, leave a stone, and/or say kaddish. Attendees must wear masks and are encouraged to bring their own candles, lighters, and stones to reduce contact among participants. Each waiting family will be socially-distanced from other groups.
There is an option for those who are unable to attend, or who are uncomfortable doing so. Upon request, volunteers from Young Leadership Divison are available to light candles on your behalf.
Visiting the cemetery during the Days of Awe is a mitzvah. We encourage you to take a short break from your Yom Kippur preparation to participate in this significant deed. Do it for yourself, your loved ones, and especially for these beautiful souls who have recently left us:
Liza Alpert
Ann Cyncynatus
Doris Czinn
Harold Feuer
Gita Frankel
Ruth Frojmovic
Vera Isakowitz
Sara Kay
Erna Laufer
Ester Lebovitz
Maria Perel
Pepi Simon
Sidney Simon
Heddy Small
Peter Sonnenfeld
Leon Weisberg
