News Article

Edison College Observes Holocaust Memorial Week

Feb 28, 2008

Edison College will observe the Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Project, a week-long series of lectures, films and exhibits, beginning Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28. This year's theme, "...And They Fought Back," will focus awareness on the courageous resisters and those who defended and provided sanctuary to Jews and others under persecution.

2008 will commemorate the event's 12th anniversary at Edison Colloege. The program is named in memory of Edison's long-time professor, Dr. Talbot Spivak, who founded the event in 1996 and passed away shortly after his retirement in 2006. The Project has grown to include discussions by survivors, liberators and faculty members, art exhibits, films, dramatic and student presentations, a memorial field of flags and reading of the victims' names, and a special event designed for high school and home-schooled students. From a few hundred participants in 1996, the Project now involves approximately 1,500 students, faculty and community members.

The week opens with afternoon lectures on Monday, March 24, followed by The Bielski Brothers documentary at 7:00 p.m. at Edison's Lee Campus. Tuvia Bielski and his brothers escaped Nazi extermination by hiding in the Belorussian forest where they built a refugee camp and, at the end of the war, led over 1,200 Jews out of hiding. Michael Bielski, the son of Tuvia Bielski, along with Meyer Bronicki, a member of the camp, will be present to discuss the story and answer questions.

"The speakers are extraordinary and compelling," says Rona Axelrod, co-chair of this year's Project. There aren't many Holocaust survivors left to share their story. We still have time to honor them by learning from their message."

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, please call 239 489-9400 or visit the Edison College website at www.edison.edu/holocaust.

Last Updated: February 28, 2008