Holocaust Remembrance

Each year the greater San Luis Obispo community comes together To Remember

We are all aware of the very limited time we have to hear these stories first-hand. It is deeply important to pass on the lessons from this time in history.
Learn about the Holocaust, remember survivors and victims, and confront genocide and anti-Semitism.
This program is free of charge and open to the public. See you there!

2020

Past Speakers

2019

2018

2016

Julius Royal, World War II and Soviet-regime survivor and revolutionary.

Julius survived the last years of the war in Hungary. Julius’ father, an engineer, was forced to work for the Nazis and died facing Soviet bullets. His mother, a physician, was sent to and survived Auschwitz. Julius told of his survival with the help of his family’s housekeeper and his non-Jewish friends. Julius also fought in the Hungarian Revolution; 2016 marks its 60th anniversary
This year Cal Poly Associate Professor of Modern European History, Molly Loberg, will moderate the discussion.

Commemorative music was performed by the Canzona Women’s Ensemble, including “Even When He is Silent” and “Reflections from Yad VaShem.” The Grande Ringers, performed interfaith music about peace.

And, by tradition, teenagers led in a candle-lighting ceremony honoring all who perished in the Holocaust.

2015

We were privileged to host Eva Nathanson at our 2015 Program. Ms. Nathanson recounted her stories from a unique perspective, as she experienced the Holocaust as a young child.

2014

Speakers Ruth Cairns Baker and Daniel Deitch were featured in our 2014 program.

Ruth told her personal story of underground escape from Vienna. Daniel talked about being the grandchild of two Holocaust survivors and the importance of carrying on their stories.

A DVD copy is available from the 2014 program. Please inquire here.

2013

We thank Martin Friedmann-Petrasek for talking to us about his experiences during the Holocaust. The program also included musical performances from the San Luis Obispo High School Concert Choir and a community congregational choir, as well as liturgy from Rabbis Linda Bertenthal and Janice Mehring.

Thank you to all that participated and all that attended this year's Yom HaShoah program.
Please click here to see the news coverage - thanks KCOY!

2012

Hundreds of community members joined to hear local residents, Bianca Rosenthal and Irving Klein, share their stories of incredible survival during the Holocaust.

Bianca’s story gave an inside perspective to the Romanian Holocaust as she described her childhood survival of the Ghetto, deportations to Transnistria and Siberia, WWII and the Soviet rule.

Irving’s story covered his life of survival after fleeing the invasion of Hungary. At the time a young boy Irving faced many life-changing decisions as he escaped death numerous times, only to endure the harsh beatings and treacherous work as slave laborer in the concentration camps.

If you did not personally get to hear their stories please read/watch/listen to our local coverage:

KCOY interview with Bianca Rosenthal
Dave Congalton with Irving Klein
Santa Maria Times/Times Press Recorder

Tribune "Times Past" columns:
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2012/04/14/2029847/lawyer-saved-nearly-20000-romanian.html
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2012/04/09/2022584/times-past-a-holocaust-survivors.html