On Monday, April 13, more than 225 community members gathered at the J for a powerful and deeply moving observance of Yom HaShoah. Together, we paused to remember, to honor and to reaffirm our shared responsibility to ensure that the stories and lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

At the heart of the evening was Holocaust survivor Frank Shatz. At 100 years old, Frank’s presence alone stood as a profound testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As he shared his story, surviving a Nazi slave labor camp, escaping, and courageously joining the anti-Nazi underground in Hungary, the room sat in rapt silence. His words carried the weight of history, but also the enduring strength of survival and resistance.

Yet it was not only the gravity of Frank’s experiences that moved the audience; his spirit also did. With a twinkle in his eye, he wove moments of humor into his testimony, offering a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, humanity can endure. His ability to find light amid unimaginable hardship left an indelible impression on all who were present.

The evening also celebrated the future of Holocaust remembrance by recognizing 14 middle and high school students as honorees in the 25th Annual Holocaust Writing and Visual Arts Competition. Through essays, poetry and artwork, these young individuals have taken up the mantle of remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to resonate for generations to come. Their work reflects not only a deep understanding of history but also a strong commitment to empathy, justice and moral courage. Winning essays and art are available here for your enjoyment.

Special thanks go to Marley Keefer for the dedication, passion and leadership she brings to the Holocaust Writing and Art Competition each year. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing and expanding this vital educational program has made a lasting impact on countless students, educators and community members.

Thank you to the Sarfan/Gary S. and William M. Nachman Philanthropic Fund of the UJC Endowment for supporting the Holocaust Writing and Visual Art Competition for the past 25 years. We look forward to another 25 + year partnership.

This meaningful gathering demonstrated the power of community. Because of your support, we are able to bring survivors like Frank Shatz to share their stories firsthand, creating moments of connection that educate, inspire and transform. And because of you, we are uplifting the next generation of storytellers and advocates, empowering them to carry these lessons forward.

In a time when the Holocaust is slipping from living memory into history, and firsthand survivor testimony is becoming increasingly rare, evenings like this are more vital than ever. Together, we are not only remembering the past, we are shaping a more compassionate, informed and vigilant future.

To learn more about the Holocaust Writing and Art Competition or to volunteer with this program, please contact Jessi Malkin.