“Role Models from the Holocaust”
Holocaust Awareness Weeks Organized by HUC-JIR Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education
April 7 - 21, 2002
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Area
… honoring individuals and societies with the integrity and courage to act

Download Holocaust Awareness Weeks Calendar of Events (PDF format)

For two weeks in April a unique series of events will address our need to recognize positive role models and our desire to seek out the goodness that surrounds us. Honoring individuals and societies that have demonstrated moral courage and set a higher standard for humanity, these programs will enlighten, challenge, and uplift adults and children alike. It will be revealed that whole nations collectively stood up to the most horrendous of evils-and succeeded.

“Role Models from the Holocaust” is the theme for the Second Annual Holocaust Awareness Weeks to be held from April 7 to April 21, 2002. The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion is presenting a series of public events and programs across the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. The Honorable S. Arthur Spiegel and his wife Louise, and the Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones and his wife Lillian have been chosen as the honorary co-chairs of this event because of their tireless efforts in service to the community. Committed to social justice and civil rights for over half a century, the judges and their spouses are committed to educating the community on “Role Models from the Holocaust” and are eager to apply lessons learned to our community.

The opening of Holocaust Awareness Weeks will commence with a public “Day of Recognition” honoring Bulgaria and Denmark, two countries that remarkably saved their Jewish citizens from Nazi persecution. A public ceremony in the Great Hall of the Cincinnati Art Museum will recognize the remarkable courage of these two countries. Her Royal Highness, Princess Maria Luisa and the Honorable Hristo V. Danov, Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court will represent the people of Bulgaria. The Ambassadors to the United States from Denmark and from Bulgaria will receive honors on behalf of their countries. Throughout the day, a series of documentary films testifying to the heroism of these two countries will be shown at the auditorium of the Cincinnati Art Museum. Two related art exhibitions will be on display at locations around the city. Prize-winning artist Karen Gunderson will display paintings and prints at the Skirball Museum at HUC-JIR and the photography of Judy Ellis Glickman, Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, will be on display at the Cincinnati Public Library downtown.

Carole Tyler Rigaud and Mary Hemmer are the co-chairs of the “Day of Recognition.” Ms. Rigaud, a board member of The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, is a committed community activist serving on a number of boards including the Free Store/Food Bank, Advocates for Youth, and the May Festival. Ms. Hemmer, Managing Partner of Hemmer Communities, is a board member of the Kentucky Humanities Council. Their committee has developed a special day that includes a champagne brunch at the Metropolitan Club in Covington hosted by Governor Patton of Kentucky and a formal black tie reception and dinner at the Omni Netherland Hotel in Cincinnati. The Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce will host a meeting with the delegations from Bulgaria and Denmark to show appreciation for these countries’ admirable values.

“Role Models from the Holocaust” highlights the brave acts of rescue and resistance that have particular resonance for today. Two weeks of lectures, exhibits, films, and cultural events are offered free of charge to the public. Area bookstores and public libraries will feature exhibits and book signings and the Cincinnati Film Society will host film viewings across the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. A series of speakers will give presentations and lead discussions in universities and high schools.

On April 14, 2002 the annual community-wide Yom HaShoah Observance, the “Day of Holocaust Remembrance” will be held at Rockdale Temple, sponsored by The Combined Generations of the Holocaust of Greater Cincinnati and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. The Inclusion Network will provide sign-language interpretation for this ceremony as well as the Public Ceremony of the “Day of Recognition” on April 7, 2002.

Forty major organizations and institutions are co-sponsoring the events throughout Holocaust Awareness Weeks. Among them are The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation, The National Conference for Community and Justice, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Public Schools, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Brueggeman Center for Interfaith Dialogue at Xavier University, and the University of Cincinnati.

The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education is an education and community resource center established by The Combined Generations of the Holocaust of Greater Cincinnati at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. The Center offers workshops, professional training seminars, and graduate courses. Teaching Holocaust Studies from academic and theological perspectives, the Center promotes tolerance and social justice in a broad range of civic and cultural concerns.

For more information or a calendar of events for Holocaust Awareness Weeks, contact The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education by phone: (513) 221-1875, ext. 355 or email: CHHE@huc.edu. For tickets or more information about the “Day of Recognition” call (513) 221-7373.