Wednesday’s premier screening of the “Names, Not Numbers©” documentary at Manhattan Day School drew audiences from both within the school community and beyond. The film featured the stories of six Holocaust survivors: Mr. Henry Hauerstock, Mr. Max Green, Mrs. Ray Kaner, Mr. Henry Schanzer, Mrs. Emma Wohlberg and Mrs. Marlit Wandel. The eighth graders worked diligently learning proper interview, research, filming and editing skills to properly document the survivors’ stories.

Learning the stories of the survivors enabled the students to engage in meaningful discussions about the Holocaust. The documentary provided insights into the lives of the survivors, the conduct of the perpetrators, and the heroism of many Jews.

MDS was also graced with multiple special guests, including Mrs. Tova Fish-Rosenberg, the creator of the “Names, Not Numbers©” program, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Elliot Gibber, and Mr. Sam Domb, a philanthropist who invests in Jewish education. The evening included a beautiful dinner, speeches, and the screening, followed by dessert reception.

The “Names, Not Numbers©” program is a highlight of eighth grade Holocaust curriculum. It is essential to remember the past and invest in the future.The documentary will be archived for future generations in Holocaust Museums and Centers and University libraries. “Names, Not Numbers©” INC: an interactive, multimedia Holocaust film documentary project created by educator, Tova Fish-Rosenberg. www.namesnotnumbers.org. “Names, Not Numbers©” Program is generously supported by a prominent national foundation.

Thank you to Dr. Pesha Kletenik for working with the students throughout the year in their Holocaust Studies class and to Morah Shoshana Rapps for leading the students in this meaningful and memorable project.