The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater hosted a moving community gathering in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27. Held on the Sandler Family Campus, the program brought people of all ages together to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and to reaffirm a shared commitment to safeguarding truth and combating hatred in all its forms.
The evening began with Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer presenting a City Council resolution recognizing the Holocaust Commission, Jewish Community Relations Council, and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater for their ongoing work to educate about the Holocaust, counter antisemitism, and foster a more inclusive community. His presentation added a significant civic moment to the evening.
The featured program was Eric Joffe’s retelling of the four distinct journeys of members of the Gonsenhauser family. Drawing on extensive research compiled by Thomas Kemper, a family friend from Germany who was unable to attend, Joffe shared how Kemper’s work both preserved these histories and helped reconnect the family to its Holocaust past.
Joffe’s storytelling underscored a vital truth: the Holocaust was long ago, but its lessons are not distant. It lives in the memories and family histories of countless community members. The Gonsenhauser family’s journey is one of many stories woven into Tidewater’s communal fabric, reminding that the Holocaust’s impact touches individuals across generations and continents.
The evening emphasized that sharing accurate history and understanding a person’s experiences helps contemporary audiences learn, reflect, and strengthen their commitment to combating hatred in all its forms.
To learn more about the Holocaust Commission, visit HolocaustCommission.org or contact Elka Mednick at emednick@ujft.org.
