Coming out of three years of online programming, the Greater Teaneck Annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration attracted over 700 participants to its April 18 program. In its new venue at Bergenfield High School, the commemoration marked the evening with a well-designed program of tribute and testimony.

Abraham Foxman, former director of the ADL and member of the President’s U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, passionately shared his personal Holocaust history in which his parents were embroiled in a fierce legal battle against his Polish nanny, who refused to hand him back after the war. He extolled the Righteous Gentiles who saved thousands of Jewish victims but wondered what would have happened if instead of one Raoul Wallenberg there had been thousands among the European nations who would have come forward to save the victims of Nazi atrocities. Foxman lauded assemblies including this, which 80 years after the debacle are still remembering and honoring the martyrs and victims.

Chani Jaskoll and Felicia Grossman served as co-chairs of the evening, which also featured greetings by Steve Fox, recently appointed president of the Jewish Community Council of Teaneck. The Yavneh Academy choir, under the direction of Marsha Motzen, presented an original musical tribute created by Cantor Motzen. Singer and musician Jonathan Rimberg, accompanied by violinist Stephanie Kurtzman (both Teaneck residents) offered moving, traditional Holocaust musical renditions. A visually powerful sand-art video presentation by Israeli artist Ilana Yahav was shown. Local resident Sarah Small introduced her “Legacy Family,” including her beloved grandmother Miriam Bronkash, who lit six lamps of remembrance. Rabbi Chaim Strauchler of Congregation Rinat Yisrael led the assembly in Tehillim, and A.J. Screiber concluded with the melodious chanting of “Kel Maaleh Rachamim,” followed by Kaddish.

Yehi Zichram Boruch.

By Pearl Markovitz