Holocaust Commemoration Committee Hosts Community Program
The Heschel community gathered to commemorate Yom HaShoah for the Holocaust Commemoration Committee's annual program. This year, we had the real Zechut/privilege to hear from Heschel grandparent Ray Kaner. Ray’s story was told through personal testimony, historical documents, and archival photos, featuring testimony from the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
The program began with a performance by the Heschel Harmonizers which led into a film detailing Ray’s story. The conclude the evening, the community heard from Ray and her son Charles through a moderated panel discussion.
Ray has dedicated her life to Holocaust remembrance and education. In addition to sharing her own story for decades, in 1974 Ray partnered with renowned Holocaust historian, Yaffa Eliach, to establish the Center for Holocaust Studies in Brooklyn, New York — the first organization in the United States dedicated solely to Holocaust studies. In this role, she served as office manager, treasurer, speaker, and interviewer of hundreds of survivors. In 1990, the Center merged with the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York, where Ray has continued her involvement as a member of the Board. Ray has also shared her story with countless organizations around New York City and across the country.
We are so grateful to Ray and her family for working with Heschel to share her story.
