I had received an invitation to an event held today at the local synagogue to commemorate the Holocaust in Romania. I headed over with another teacher and a small group of students. When we arrived at the synagogue, almost all of the seats were full – a first. The program consisted of a few speakers. The most interesting were two eyewitness accounts and a summary of a report made in the past few years by the Wiesel commission. The report on the Holocaust in Romania is unique in that it is the first comprehensive and governmentally approved account of events in this country. Whereas most education on the subject tends to focus on other countries (thereby minimizing culpability,) this report will be the foundation for more authentic studies of the subject. I spoke to this man afterward and received his card – he mentioned that he had copies in English, so I will check it out myself soon.
The two survivor accounts were quite powerful (although I only picked up about 50% of what was being said – I got the idea.) One man had a power point slide show with photographs from the time showing people on/around the cattle trains. After the speeches, the old men of the congregation sang “Hava Nagelah,” and performed the mourner’s kaddish. Following the part in the temple, we visited the local monument to the Holocaust in a nearby square and symbolically places small stones on the base of the statue.
Interestingly enough, I met the chief Rabbi of Romania. He noticed my Romanian was not very good when I was trying to talk to another man so he addressed me in English. I found out that he is an Israeli; he was quite kind and interested in my work here. It was moving to see all the people, although, after today, many will be moving on to other cities throughout the country. I appreciate the effort to remember, and, importantly, set the record straight. Photographs will be forthcoming.
a truly memorable “special day”, particularly when you are experiencing it in a part of the world where parts of the Holocoast had occured.
i allways read ypur blogs, and almost allways read them to gm who invariably has some very positive reaction and comments to make—she is very dilgently watching over you from far away. take care, be well—keep those blocg coming. Love, G&G
Fascinating. While it might not be my primary interest, I love history. I especially love to hear the stories of people that have been at the events which I read about. Some of the most interest books I have read are the personal memoirs of Civil War veterans. To see how they witnessed events and then proccessed them, really fascinates me.
For example, at the battle of Gettysburg, Confederate General James Longstreet was in essence at fault for taking too long bring up troops at two key skirmishes. In his memoirs he claims that he made the right decision and that he was in essence compleltey in the right. In fact he puts the entire blame of the defeat of Gettysburg squarley on Lee’s shoulders. This is in contrast to most historians deeming him as one of the reasons the Confederacy lost the battle as his delay actually was quite damaging.
And, so I envy your oppertunity to listen to these Holocaust surviviors. I am sure it was a fascinating and quite powerful event to witness. For me, I would be interested in the language that they used. Also in my field it is interesting to look at what people say and how they say it. Sometimes, what actually happened is not nearly as interesting(or important) as what one believes happened. They can be quite different, but people react and will carry on with their lives based on their perception of certain events. THAT is what fascinates me aboout memoirs and first hand accounts: not so much the words, but how they are spoken.