Yom Hashoah is Memorialized at MDS
by Judy Melzer, [email protected]
May 2, 2014
Volume 13, Issue 24
Parshat Emor 7:35 pm
The Yom Hashoah program presented by eighth grade was a most meaningful experience. The students recited narratives and poetry, some written by graduates of
Manhattan Day School during Mrs. Melzer’s senior seminar class. Sarina Kofman and Sophie Samuels incorporated a PowerPoint called “Just like Us.” The presentation depicted life in Europe before the Shoah and juxtaposed current photographs of students and staff engaged in similar activities and life experiences. The PowerPoint was sensitive and powerful. The background photographs that highlighted the narratives were collated by Danna Rebibo and Debra Schwartzben. The students were able to identify with and analyze the literary pieces written by former MDS eight graders. They noted that they are part of a continuum of those at MDS who studied the tragedies and triumphs during the Holocaust. The highlight of the program was the presentation of Sally Frishberg, a survivor who recounted her experiences, while hidden by a righteous gentile for two years in an attic with fifteen family members. She was so moved by our students, their poetry and song, that she tearfully proclaimed that “these children will definitely ensure our future and enable Jewish continuity.”
In addition, our most talented Gabrielle Broome painted three original art pieces that
are on display in the lobby. We hope to show these pieces when we visit the Museum of Jewish
Heritage next month.