Wednesday, April 23, Ohef Sholom Temple, 6:45 pm
Dr. Irving Berkowitz is the keynote speaker for the community’s Yom Hashoah commemoration, which is presented each year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Holocaust Commission. Dr. Berkowitz is the son of Holocaust survivors, as well as a Holocaust scholar and educator.
Berkowitz holds advanced degrees in public policy and sociology and most recently served as dean of Academic Affairs at Palm Beach State College. Earlier in his career he served as a dean at Norfolk State University. He says he looks forward to returning to Hampton Roads.
Throughout his 42-year-career, Berkowitz has been a passionate advocate for human rights and Holocaust education. He has advised post-communist governments, volunteered with civil rights organizations, and received numerous awards for his leadership and advocacy. All of Dr. Berkowitz’s work reflects his deep commitment to combating prejudice and preserving the lessons of history.
This year’s Yom Hashoah commemoration carries great significance as this observes the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and of the Holocaust. The end of the Holocaust also marked the beginning of Holocaust denial and distortion, something the world continues to grapple with.
Ohef Sholom Temple is located on Raleigh Ave. in Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood.
The Holocaust Commission encourages everyone in the community to attend and recognize this important anniversary. For more information, go to holocaustcommission.jewishva.org.