In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, on Tuesday, April 21, 27 Nisan, Ma’ayanot students and faculty heard testimony from Reha Sokolow, great-aunt of Johanna Sokolow (‘23). Rena Sokolow characterized her own birth, in Berlin in 1943, as an act of faith and spiritual resistance by her mother, in the footsteps of Jewish women in Mitzrayim who continued to reproduce despite the decree of death on Jewish boys. She co-wrote a book, “Defying the Tide,” about the survival of her parents, Ruth and Walter Abraham, and the help they received from Maria Nickel, one of the righteous among the nations. Johanna said, “My great-aunt’s story is inspiring. Her passion for educating others on the Holocaust is something I admire.”

Freshman Esther Ginzberg also expressed appreciation: “Hearing someone’s firsthand account of her experience was special because it’s unfortunately not an opportunity that I get often, yet it is one of the most valuable stories anyone can ever tell.” Ayelet Fischer agreed: “I felt privileged to hear directly from a survivor.” Said Aliza Kahan, “It is our duty to pass down their stories exactly as they have been told to us. Holocaust survivors should have the peace of mind that their stories and legacies will never be forgotten.”

Students then chose between studying Holocaust responsa with Talmud teacher and Director of Admissions Dena Block; a workshop with Ma’ayanot guidance counselors; discussing Holocaust poetry with NCSY educator Mark Fein; and learning about the legal battle to reclaim Holocaust assets from Evan Hochberg, director of International Affairs for the World Jewish Restitution Organization and husband of Ma’ayanot English chair Samantha Kur. Aliza Adler, director of Student Activities, and Sarah Gordon, director of Experiential Education, coordinated the program. Gordon shared additional resources, including how to connect with Holocaust survivors through the Met Council during shelter-in-place.