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Welcome Kathy Brinkman, President, The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education

Motzi: Blessing Over the Meal Dr. Al Miller, Holocaust Survivor, World War II Veteran & Member of CHHE Speakers’ Bureau Aaron Rozovsky, Hebrew Union College – Jerry Springer was born in London in 1944 Jewish Institute of Religion Rabbinical Student, during an air raid. His parents were German Jewish Foundation Fellow at CHHE, and a Captain Jewish refugees who escaped to England just in the Army three days before the start of World War II. In 1949, the family immigrated to Queens in New York City. Master of Ceremonies Jerry Springer In 1969, after attending and , Jerry came to Remarks to work for the law firm Frost & Steve Boymel & Toby Ganz, Jacobs. He soon became involved in political Voices of Humanity Co-chairs life in Cincinnati, first as a city councilman and then as a two-term mayor. Video Presentation In 1982, Jerry became an anchor and managing editor at WLWT. His success as an Main Course Served anchor would lead to the creation of ‘’ in 1991. Since then, Jerry has Recognizing World War II Veterans been a host of television programs and his own podcast and has also had Recognizing Louis Weisser a variety of acting roles. as a Voice for Humanity The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education would like to thank Jerry Springer Special Announcement for sharing his personal story and talent Sarah Weiss, Executive Director, with us tonight. The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education

Closing Honoring World War II Veterans

We salute all those who served our country during World War II, an era that truly threatened our very existence as a nation—and as a culturally-diverse, free society. We are forever grateful for the sacrifices of this amazing generation.

Among the heroes are those who came face to face with the horrors of the Holocaust. As World War II came to a close, soldiers in the American, Soviet, British, Canadian, and French armies came across concentration camps and the prisoners left inside. After the initial shock of what they saw, these soldiers provided food and health care for the survivors left inside the camps.

Relationships between survivors and liberators would be built during liberation and would continue for years to come. Inside CHHE’s permanent exhibit, Mapping Our Tears, is a scrap of paper with the writing of Norbert Silberman. Norbert scratched his name and address onto a piece of paper and gave it to Leon Weisband, whom he liberated from Buchenwald, so that he might look him up someday. Leon carried that address for forty years until he gave it to his cousin from Cincinnati, Ray Warren. Ray was able to re-establish contact with the soldier who liberated Leon.

This is just one story of thousands. CHHE is committed to preserving and sharing these stories for generations to come.

Below are just a few of the World War II veterans who have impacted CHHE and our work:

Elmer Reis (1917-2009): Reis was a fifth-generation Cincinnatian, graduating from Xavier University and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. He enlisted in the US Army in 1941 at age 24 because he felt the Army was the best place to focus his energy. Reis served in the 4th Armored Division under General Patton. In 1945, Reis’ unit liberated North Stalag III, a concentration camp in Ohrdruf, Germany. After WWII, Reis remained in the US Army Reserve until 1973 while he worked for the Country Sheriff’s Department.

Milton Schloss (1913-2007): Schloss enlisted in the US Army in 1942 because he felt it was his duty to fight for the Jews of Europe, a commitment he learned from his family. Schloss served from 1944-1945 in the 4th Armored Division and liberated the Ohrdruf Concentration Camp. Understanding some German, Schloss listened to some of the prisoners tell their stories for the first time. After the war, Schloss acted as CEO of Kahn’s meat company until 1966, worked for University of Cincinnati Business College until 1987, and finally retired in 1991 after being the CEO of the John Morrell Company. Schloss was a strong advocate for the State of Israel, even calling himself the First Reform Jewish Zionist in Cincinnati.

Saul Marmer (1924-2015): Marmer joined Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and the Enlisted Reserve Corps while he was a student at University of Cincinnati. Marmer served as First Platoon Leader in the 78th Infantry Division from 1943-1946. After a battle with German soldiers, Saul witnessed atrocities at the Wupertal Concentration Camp before liberating a Russian POW Camp in 1945. After the war ended, Saul attended one of the first Yom Kippur services in Kassel, Germany, as well as the first public Chanukah lighting ceremony and Passover Seder in Berlin since 1932. Upon returning to Cincinnati, Saul became CEO of Marmer Shoes, and remained in the Army Reserves until 1950. Louis Weisser was born in 1923 in Podwoloczyska, couple married in Paris in 1949 before emigrating . The town had a large Jewish community to America in 1953. They settled in Cincinnati that lived peacefully alongside the Polish and where they had their son, Mark. Louis worked as Ukrainian communities. At the age of thirteen, an executive of Macy’s (formerly Shillito’s) until his Lou’s father passed away suddenly. While retirement in 1987. Louis is also the proud attending school, Louis took on the responsibility of grandfather of two grandsons, Alex and Evan. helping to provide for his mother and twin sisters. From an early age, Louis was a dedicated to After World War II broke out, tensions in Louis’s service. In the 1970s, he became active with hometown grew. Initially, his family lived in the survivor organizations in Cincinnati and served relative calm under the Soviet regime; but in as president of one of CHHE’s predecessor 1941, the German army invaded the Soviet- organizations, The Jewish Survivors of Nazism. controlled territory. At the age of seventeen, Louis Louis was on the boards of the Jewish Community had to decide between staying with his mother Relations Council and the Jewish National Fund. and twin sisters and facing Nazi persecution or He is also an active member of Adath Israel flee into Russian territory. Fearing that the Nazis Synagogue. Louis is perhaps best known at would target the young men of the village, Louis Rockwern Academy, where he has volunteered as chose to travel east with three male companions. part of Dor l’Dor (From Generation to Generation) Louis eventually enlisted in the Russian Army. and is known as Saba Weisser.

While in the army, Louis heard rumors about CHHE is particularly grateful to Louis for his German atrocities, but was not aware of the dedication to Holocaust education in Cincinnati. extent of the devastation until his unit saw the Without leadership like his, CHHE would not be liberated Majdanek death camp. It wasn’t until in existence today. Louis’s willingness to share late 1945 when Louis was released from his his experiences during World War II and the Holo- military service that he discovered that his mother caust has helped ensures that the lessons of the and sisters had been murdered in the Belzec Holocaust are shared in our community today and extermination camp. will continue to be shared for generations to come.

In 1946, after returning to Poland, Louis met his Please join us in honoring a true ‘mensch,’ future wife, Helen. After spending time in Italy, the Louis Weisser. The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education

The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education (CHHE) was founded, built, and forever inspired by Jewish survivors of the Holocaust. CHHE educates about the Holocaust, remembers its victims, and acts on its lessons. Through innovative programs and partnerships, CHHE challenges injustice, inhumanity, and prejudice, and fosters understanding, inclusion, and engaged citizenship.

Hours & Information

Office Hours To learn more about Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5:00pm the initiatives of CHHE, please Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org or call 513-487-3055. Exhibit Hours Monday – Thursday 1:00pm – 4:00pm Located at Rockwern Academy (formerly Yavneh) Sunday 11:00am – 3:00pm 8401 Montgomery Road Additional hours available by appointment. Cincinnati, OH 45236

CHHE Resources & Programs

Speakers’ Bureau The Roma & Sam Kaltman Holocaust Studies Holocaust survivors, WWII liberators, Holocaust scholars, for Educators and Educator Workshop Series and Holocaust educators are trained and scheduled by CHHE By offering meaningful professional development to speak to schools and groups throughout the community. opportunities to educators through courses and workshops, The speakers share their moving and memorable experiences CHHE reaches hundreds of educators each year. and recount stories of suffering, loss, and survival. This includes the Kaltman graduate level course designed to equip educators with the tools and techniques to effectively teach about the Holocaust. The course Mapping Our Tears is co-sponsored by Xavier University. This permanent exhibit is an innovative educational experience that showcases the strength and the courage of the human spirit. A multimedia theater set in a 1930s Traveling Exhibits European attic, takes visitors back in time by sharing the CHHE offers several original exhibits that can be borrowed testimonials of survivors, refugees, rescuers, and liberators by families, schools, community centers, libraries, and other of the Holocaust. The attic is complimented by artifacts and public places. The exhibits are portable and affordable. panels that highlight and inform the visitors about different They encourage multidisciplinary approaches to Holocaust aspects of the Holocaust. The exhibit also features artifacts education. from The Cincinnati Hillel Judaica Collection. International Shared Reading Project Holocaust Awareness Programs The Shared Reading Project connects 24 schools in America “Remembering, informing, and transforming” through and Israel. Students in classrooms throughout Ohio and Israel community programs including lectures, films, performances, are paired together to read a piece of Holocaust literature and exhibits in collaboration with more than 30 area and then engage in dialogue with peers in a specially- organizations, universities, synagogues, and churches. designed online discussion forum. This project aims to help American and Israeli students comprehend the complexity Resource Center of the Holocaust while encouraging discussion and reflection A library containing books, journals, DVDs, curriculum with a person of their own age, but from a different culture. resources, and more. This program was originally created by The Ghetto Fighters’ Facilitated Classroom Experiences Museum in northern Israel and was acquired by CHHE Out of the Attic & Echoing Voices are educational in 2014. exhibits accompanied by trained educators that travel to area schools. These two unique exhibits feature artifact facsimiles and testimonies from eyewitnesses and survivors of the Holocaust. Over 125,000 individuals Over 76,00 people touched annually by CHHE in OH, engaged with CHHE KY, IN— students, educators, and through digital outreach community members

3,943 people attended 24,131 individuals a Holocaust Awareness viewed one of CHHE’s Program in 2015-2016 seven traveling exhibits

6,137 visitors participated in a tour of the Mapping Our Tears exhibit, including students from 75 schools

13,205 students, educators, and 100 students and teachers members of the community heard the from 20 schools across the personal testimony of a member of tri-state participated in the CHHE’s Speakers’ Bureau 2016 Youth Leadership Summit

456 teachers attended a workshop facilitated by CHHE; as a direct result of these workshops, 47,948 students were impacted

“It is one thing to read books written by “[The Roma and Sam Kaltman Holocaust people who were there and it is another Studies for Educators] can simply increase thing altogether to be face to face with those your knowledge of a topic, and/or can who lived through it. It has made me even change your outlook on life.” more determined to learn more about what – Educator reaction to The Roma and Sam Kaltman happened during that time period in order Holocaust Studies for Educators to be even more vigilant to do my part to not let something like that happen again.” – Participant in Osher Life Long Learning Course “I just wanted to say thank you, you have made an impact on my life…” – Student reaction to member of the Speakers’ Bureau “For me I always get a new sense of passion to teach after my visit.” – Educator reaction to a visit to Mapping Our Tears Thank you to our sponsors of Voices of Humanity! Voice Sam Boymel – In loving memory of his beloved wife, Rachel Boymel

Champion Steve & Carol Boymel – Michael & Margaret Valentine In loving memory of Rachel Boymel

Guardian Huntington Bank Harold & Faye Sosna The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Richard Weiland Seven Seventy-Nine Video The Weisser Family

Pillar Louis & Patty Beck University of Cincinnati

Patron Jeffery Bakst The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati Leonard & Ann Berenfield Tom & Marilyn Zemboch & Family – LPK In memory of Ellen & Joseph Schneider

Defender George & Kathy Brinkman Scott & Patricia Joseph Steve Mombach & Susan Brenner John & Julie Cohen Ken & Carol Kabel OneSource Employee Management Peter & Toby Ganz Mark & Marcy Kanter Todd Schild & Sarah Weiss Paul Heiman Mark & Lilly Kurtz , Adam & Xavier University Gretchen Kurtz, Brian & Amy John Isidor & Sandy Kaltman Kurtz, Adam & Sally Schiff

Supporter Anonymous David & Karen Hoguet Jay & Susan Price Nathan & Marcie Bachrach/Simply Money Oscar & Cindy Jarnicki Alvin & Joan Roehr David & Julie Buckner Katz Teller Stephen & Beatrice Rosedale Malcolm Coleman Richard & Mona Kerstine Steven & Rachel Schild John Dovich & Lauren Thaman Chase & Michelle Kohn David Schneider Henry & Diana Fenichel Eric & Robyn Lamont Hank & Anita Schneider Robert & Arna Fisher Leah Levine Paul & Linnell Sullivan Richard & Gail Friedman Lynn Marmer & Eugene Beaupre Unifund Edwin & Arlene Goldstein Mellot & Mellot Raphael & Nancy Warren Louis & Beth Guttman Miami University Albert & Sherry Weisbrot Gary & Kim Heiman Albert & Janie Miller David & Sarah Wise Anne Heldman Ed & Nina Paul Marty & Sally Hiudt Porter Wright Friend Michael & Bree Bergman Lewis & Renee Kamrass Bartley & Alexis Morrisroe Dabby Blatt Robert & Lynne Kanter Netherland Rubber Company Cedar Village Foundation Louis Katz & Andrea Kravetz Lawrence & Leslie Newman Stanford & Kristi Clement Williams Sam, Susan & Paula Knobler Marc & Haviva Randolph’ Brent & Lori Dixon Gerry & Sally Korkin Marvin & Elaine Rosenberg Stewart & Ellen Dunsker Dan & Pamela Loewenstein David & Gilda Schwartz Alan & Claire Eichner Mayers Electric Company Alan & Marlyn Weinstein Marc & Evelyn Fisher Glen & Margie Meyer Western & Southern Nancy & Steve Frank Michael & Margaret Meyer Scott & Natalie Wolf Mitchell & Elissa Habib Daniel & Kristen Miller John & Abbie Youkilis Edward & Andrea Herzig Patricia Moore Hopson Jack & Sharon Yosafat

Create Your Jewish Legacy Thank you to these visionary supporters, who have made a legacy commitment to CHHE. Their incredible support will ensure future generations learn about the Holocaust and its lessons. Learn more about CHHE’s Legacy Society on page 10.

Anonymous (6) Gail & Dick Friedman Gary * & Loretta Rabiner Michael & Tara Adams Daniel J. Hoffheimer Marc & Haviva Randolph Marcie & Nathan Bachrach John Isidor & Sandy Kaltman Ari & Deborah Rubinoff BreeAnna & Michael Bergman Scott & Patricia Joseph Steven & Rachel Schild George & Kathleen Brinkman Ethan Katz & Hagit Caspi Raphael & Nancy Warren Susan Brenner & Steven Mombach Hagit Limor Sarah Weiss & Todd Schild Alan & Christine Brown Michael & Margaret Meyer Mark Weisser Dr. John & Julie Cohen Sonja Milrod Louis Weisser Malcolm & Adell* Coleman Al & Janie Miller David & Sarah Wise Leonard* & Marguerite Feibelman Ed & Nina Paul Diana & Henry Fenichel Jay & Susan Price

*Denotes individuals who have passed away. May their memories be a blessing.

Table Hosts Create Your Jewish Legacy

Today, it is more vital than ever to pass the lessons of the Holocaust to future generations. As fewer Holocaust survivors and eyewitnesses remain, who will share their stories?

As someone who cares deeply about the future of Holocaust education, we are seeking your support. Your legacy gift will help sustain CHHE for years to come. By remembering CHHE in your will or estate plan, you will help us ensure that testimonies of survivors and lessons of the Holocaust will be shared with future generations.

Our legacy donors are people, like you, who: Understand that the Holocaust teaches Are committed to ensuring that future generations important lessons that guide our future; lessons honor the lessons of the Holocaust. of preventing genocide, and of promoting social justice and civic responsibility. Believe it is critical to preserve the testimonies and artifacts of the eyewitnesses. The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education is thrilled to be partnering with The Cincinnati Jewish Federation and the Grinspoon Foundation in this endeavor.

For more information on planned giving contact Sarah Weiss at (513)487-3055 or [email protected].

Remembering Werner Coppel 1925-2016

This year we lost an important member of the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education family and previous Voice for Humanity recipient, Werner Coppel.

Born in Moers, Germany in 1925, Werner was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943. He was sent to the sub-camp of Buna where he was put into forced labor. In January 1945, Werner and two other prisoners escaped the death march and at 19 years old he was free. He would later learn that his entire family was murdered during the Holocaust.

Werner met his wife, Trudy, in 1945, and the couple gave birth to a boy, Ron, soon thereafter. In 1949, the family relocated to the United States. The family was completed with the addition of their son, Steve, and they built a new life in Cincinnati.

In 1975, Werner’s life would change after printed a Letter to the Editor claiming that the Diary of Anne Frank was a hoax and the Holocaust never happened. Werner raised his voice to become the first local survivor to begin speaking in public about his experiences during the Holocaust.

From that point until his passing in February of this year, Werner spoke to hundreds of thousands of students, educators, and community members about his experiences during the Holocaust. In 2014, Werner and fellow Auschwitz survivor Bella Ouziel were featured in an exhibit curated by The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, Unlocking the Gates of Auschwitz 70 Years Later. The exhibit gained national attention and became one of the most visited temporary exhibits in the history of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Werner’s presence is greatly missed, but his memory lives on through his wonderful family and the work of The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.

CHHE board and staff:

Executive Committee Board of Trustees Kathy Brinkman, President Tara Adams Marc Randolph, Immediate Past President Bree Bergman Dr. John Cohen, Vice President Steve Boymel David Buckner, Treasurer Susan Brenner Richard Friedman Dr. Gary Brooks John Isidor John Dovich Carol Kabel Dr. Henry Fenichel Lilly Kurtz Sherri Friedman Hagit Limor Toby Ganz John Neyer Father Michael Graham Kristi Clement Williams Marcy Kanter David Wise Eric Lamont Dr. Mitchel Livingston Lizabeth McOsker Staff Titles: Dr. Michael Meyer CHHE Staff Kim Morris Sarah L. Weiss, Executive Director Dr. Myrtis Powell Kate Morris, Development Manager Zahava Rendler Cori Silbernagel, Collections Manager Jeff Stayton Trinity Ruggles, Education Coordinator Dr. Raphael Warren Lisa Shusterman, Office and Program Coordinator Dr. Albert Weisbrot

Judge Tyrone Yates Rev. Nicholas Yoda

8401 Montgomery Rd. | Cincinnati, OH 45236 | (513)487-3055 www.holocaustandhumanity.org