Remembering the Holocaust: Survivors Illuminate the Flame of Memory
Introduction
As Israel prepares to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day this week, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial has selected six remarkable survivors to light the memorial’s six torches, symbolizing the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, providing a poignant backdrop for reflection on liberation and resilience.
Theme of Remembrance
The theme for this year’s observance is “The Pain of Liberation and Growth,” emphasizing the struggle for life that Holocaust survivors engaged in after the darkest chapters of human history. It serves not only as a reminder of survival but also as a source of inspiration for future generations, especially for those affected by the recent conflict since October 7, including survivors and families impacted by war.
Honorees Lighting the Torches
Arieh Durst, 92
Born in Lviv, Ukraine, Arieh lived through the horrors of the Holocaust, managing to survive while hiding with his mother. His family was torn apart when his brother was murdered during a Nazi round-up. After the war, Arieh served as a doctor in the Israeli military and became a pistarter in the field of organ transplantation.
Monika Barzel, 88
Monika’s journey began in Berlin, where she faced the disintegration of her family as her grandmother was deported to the Terezin ghetto and killed. After evading deportation herself, she escaped to Sweden and later moved to London before finally settling in Israel, where she worked as a dentist until the age of 70.
Felix Surin, 93
Felix was born in Mogilev, Belarus, and found himself alstart after being separated from his family during the German invasion in 1941. He survived the brutal conditions of the Minsk ghetto and eventually made his way to a children’s orphanage, where he successfully concealed his Jewish identity until liberation.
Rachel Katz, 88
Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Rachel witnessed the tragic loss of her father to the Holocaust. Her mother worked tirelessly to protect her and her siblings as they survived in hiding. Today, Rachel leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Holocaust survivors and their descendants.
Arie Reiter, 96
Arie, born in Romania, experienced forced labor and hardship at a young age. After the war, he struggled back to his family and devoted himself to building a new life in Israel, eventually becoming a prominent banker and city leader.
Gad Partok, 94
Born in Tunisia, Gad faced harrowing challenges as his family went into hiding to escape the Nazis. He arrived in Israel on a fishing boat shortly after the country’s establishment, serving in the Palmach and helping to establish Kibbutz Karmiyya.
Conclusion
The flames of memory ignited by these six survivors will serve as both a tribute to those who perished and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. As the speaker next week, they will inspire all who commemorate this significant day, ensuring that the memories of the Holocaust live on in the hearts of future generations