“I will give to them in My House and within My walls a memorial and a name (yad vashem) better than sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.”
Isaiah 56:5
Dear Friends,
In the heart of our observances and remembrances, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) stands as a solemn testament to resilience in the face of darkness and the imperative of memory. This day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed on the 27th of Nisan (May 6th this year), is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a profound call to remember, to learn, and to act. It was chosen with intention, symbolising not just the immeasurable loss of the six million Jews who perished but also the indomitable spirit of resistance, exemplified by the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
At the core of Israel's commitment to never forget, is Yad Vashem, the beacon on the Mount of Remembrance. More than a memorial, it is a promise to the millions who died without a name, without a trace. Yad Vashem stands as a testament to humanity's capacity for both unspeakable evil and incredible heroism. It honours the victims, the survivors, and the righteous among the nations, like the brave soul who, risking their own life, saved Leah and her family with forged identities and a hidden refuge.
Today, as shadows of hate and antisemitism stretch across the globe anew, the echoes of the past urge us to stand vigilant against indifference and inaction. The story of Leah, a survivor whose life was forever altered in the crucible of the Holocaust, challenges us to confront these shadows with the light of empathy and support.
Born into the turmoil of war-torn Romania, Leah's childhood was stolen from her in the blink of an eye. Her father was taken, and her family was forced into hiding, moving from their home to a stable, and then to the precarious sanctuary of a neighbour's basement. This neighbour, later honoured as Righteous Among the Nations, was their guardian angel, providing false identities and a means of escape to a remote village.
The war's end did not return Leah's stolen childhood or erase the scars etched into her soul. Her family's Aliyah brought them to Tel Aviv, but peace remained elusive. Leah's adult years were marred by the shadows of her past: years of crying, battles with major depression, and the recognition of her mental disability due to the traumas she endured. Widowhood and health challenges, including a recent stroke and the mystery of her recurrent falls, compounded her struggles.
Yet, Leah's story is also one of incredible resilience and the power of community support. A dedicated social worker, a compassionate volunteer, and the material assistance provided by Vision for Israel have been lifelines, offering her not just physical aid but the invaluable gift of human connection.
As Yom HaShoah approaches, we invite you to honour the memory of the six million Jews and to stand with survivors like Leah. Your generosity can illuminate the dark chapters of their lives with hope and dignity. Vision for Israel is committed to ensuring that Holocaust survivors are cared for, remembered, and honoured. But we cannot do this alone.
This Yom HaShoah, let us renew our pledge to remember, to honour, and to uplift those who carry the weight of history's darkest chapter. Your donation to Vision for Israel can transform the twilight of Leah’s life into a dawn of hope. Together, we can ensure that survivors receive the respect, the care, and the love they deserve.
In the shadow of remembrance, let your action be a candle in the darkness. Support Vision for Israel’s mission to aid Holocaust survivors like Leah. Contribute here and make a difference today.
“If we bear all this suffering and if there are still Jews left, when it is over, then Jews, instead of being doomed, will be held up as an example.”
Anne Frank
With deepest gratitude and Shalom,
Barry & Batya Segal
