A Human Issue

Nate Leipciger, survivor of Auschwitz and leading promoter of Holocaust awareness in Canada, will speak about his experiences at the University of King's College on Nov. 10.

Mordecai Walfish has read books on the Holocaust since he was a child. The grandson of Holocaust survivors, he decided at an early age to learn everything he could about the massive global atrocity that happened over 60 years ago and half a world away, but still hits so close to home.

"I see Holocause Education Week as my chance to make Holocause rememberance my own and ensure that the legacy of survivors is passed on to the next generation," says Mordecai. He and fellow student Michelle Masters have organized a week of remembrance and education at Dalhousie for the second consecutive year.

The students have put together a wide-ranging program of events, including a special event on Nov. 9 entitled "Dignity Day," to remember Kristallnacht - the "Night of Broken Glass" when the Nazis and their supporters looted and vandalised Jewish stores across Germany.

Holocaust Education Week Events
Sunday, Nov. 6 The Underground Reporters - A Youth Program Author Kathy Kacer will speak 1:30 p.m. Beth Isreal Synagogue 1480 Oxford Street
Monday, Nov. 7 "About Auschwitz" Photography Slideshow and Presentation Photographer Judith Lermer Crawley will speak 7:00 p.m. Dalhousie Art Gallery (Photo: Judith Lermer Crawley)
Tuesday, Nov. 8 The necessity of Theological Dialogue Rabbi Jack Bemporad 8:00 p.m. St. Mary's University, McNally Auditorium
Wednesday, Nov. 9 Dignity Day 5:45 p.m. Province House Yard Halifax 7:00 p.m. Oxford Theatre Free screening of Holocaust Short films, followed by the feature "Pig Farm" about the lack of memorialization of gypsy victims of the Holocaust.
Thursday, Nov. 10 Nate Leipciger, survivor of Auschwitz James McAvoy, WWII veteran 7:00 p.m. University of King's College, Alumni Hall (New Academic Building)

Mordecai says taking part in organizing the event was not a choice for him, but a necessity. "I feel that I need to keep thinking, talking about, and helping educate people about the Holocaust - which was not just a Jewish issue, but a human one," he says.

"As a society, we have come to recognize that history does indeed repeat itself, as we have seen in the atrocities of Bosnia and Darfur," says Michelle Masters. "It is events like Holocaust Education Week that help illustrate the impact that intolerance and hate still have on today's world."

"I hope this week will serve as a common meeting ground for people to listen, talk, think and learn about the Holocaust," says Mordecai.

For a full list of activities, see sidebar. All events are free and open to the public.