Small Town News

LShanah Tovah from the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida

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Each year there are fewer and fewer survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust. While nothing can replace the power of their stories, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida is committed to keeping their memories and messages alive.

We are an organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice with the ultimate goal of developing a moral and just community through our extensive outreach, educational and cultural programs. Using the lessons of the Holocaust as a tool, last year the Center taught the principles of good citizenship to more than 12,000 students of all ages, religions and backgrounds.

We believe that we must educate people to be "up-standers," to be willing to stand up for the rights of others and protect them as fervently as they protect their own. We- believe this is the key component of human integrity, and the only way to make "never again" a possibility rather than a slogan.

Like nearly every organization, we have faced reduced income, staff cuts, and disheartening projections. Yet we have been able to create a 2010-11 cultural season that

we are proud to share with the community. We have, as they say, something for everyone: music, films, drama, and visuals arts that not only speak to our mission but include unexpected treats.

We were approached by the Nile Foundation as avenue for their exhibit "Under Vine and FigTree--500 years of Jewish History in Turkey," and we have begun working with the local Turkish Cultural Center to promote this event. After many years of try ing, we were finally able to schedule a fascinating exhibit on Nazi book burning, and are making that a core theme of some of our educational outreach. We will commemorate Kristallnacht with chamber music and we will remember victims, survivors and rescuers on Yom HaShaoh with a very special guest, author Jane Yolen.

In spite of the dismal economy--but perhaps also because of it--we've had more families and schools visit the Center than in past years. We have never charged admission and therefore have become ..a venue of choice when other museums become too expensive. We hope that you will likewise make the Holocaust Center a priority to visit and to support.

On behalf of the Center's board of directors and staff, we want to wish you and your family a happy, healthy and peace-filled New Year.



Copyright 2010 Heritage Florida Jewish News, Fern Park, Florida. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Heritage Florida Jewish News Fern Park, Florida. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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