Holocaust Memorial Center To Host Citywide Annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration Day, Apr. 7

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. - March 22, 2013 - PRLog -- The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus (www.holocaustcenter.org) announced that it is hosting its citywide annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration Day on Sunday, April 7.  The Holocaust Memorial Center is located at 28123 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills.

Events will begin at noon with the project “Unto Every Person There Is A Name.”  Volunteers from both the Great Lakes Region B’nai B’rith and the Holocaust Memorial Center will share the reading aloud of the names of some of those whose lives were taken in the Holocaust.

The formal program starts at 1 p.m. with the Posting of the Colors by members of the Jewish War Veterans, United States of America.   An original Kaddish as a responsive reading led by Holocaust Memorial Center Executive Director Stephen M. Goldman, and the traditional candle lighting led by Holocaust survivor Michael Weiss of Oak Park, a member of Shaarit Haplaytah, follows.  Holocaust Memorial Center Past President Alan Zekelman will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon.

Other features from the program include:

• Cantor Leonard Gutman of Congregation Shaarey Zedek will lead guests in the singing of the national anthem and Hatikvah.  Gutman also will chant the El Malei Rachamim before being joined by pianist Martin Mandelbaum for several other musical selections, including “The Partisan Song,” L’Dor Vador” and “Ani Ma’amin.”

• Holocaust Memorial Center President Gary Karp will deliver opening remarks and welcome the attendees along with Dr. Rene Lichtman, on behalf of the Hidden Children and Child Survivors Association of Michigan, and Dr. Charles Silow, on behalf of CHAIM –Children of Holocaust-survivors Association of Michigan.

• Continuing a tradition begun more than a decade ago, Shari Ferber Kaufman will share her thoughts and her reflections on this Yom Hashoah.

All who wish to kindle personal Yahrtzeit candles are invited to do so in the museum at the Eternal Flame directly across the hall from the auditorium following the formal program.

Complimentary valet parking will be available beginning at 12:15 and admission will be waived for that day.  Donations are always appreciated.

Additionally, live streaming of “I Believe – A Shoah Requiem” from Orchestra Hall in downtown Detroit beginning at 4:00 P.M.   This is a world premiere presentation of the work composed by Cantor Daniel Gross for the 2013 Detroit community-wide Interfaith Yom Hashoah Observance.  Parking and admission for this 4 p.m. event are free.  Seating is limited and on a first come – first seated basis.

This year’s event is generously supported by Lisa and Gary Shiffman, Lori and Alan Zekelman, Trudy and Arthur A. Weiss, Gabriella and Alex Karp Family, Gary Karp, Shari (Ferber) and Alon Kaufman, Judy and George Vine Family, Robin and Leo Eisenberg Family, and Marsha and Harry Eisenberg Family.

For more information, contact Selma Silverman at 248-553-2400, ext. 12.

About the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus
The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus opened in 1984.  Local Holocaust survivors, with community support, founded the museum to teach about the senseless murder of millions, and why everyone must respect and stand up for the rights of others if the world is to prevent future discrimination, hate crime and genocide. As Michigan’s only Holocaust museum, the Holocaust Memorial Center annually touches the lives of more than 85,000 individuals, who leave the museum profoundly affected with a newly acquired sense of history, social responsibility and morality. The Holocaust Memorial Center’s exhibits create a call to action, teaching visitors through the examples of those who risked their lives to save others, and asking its guests to react to contemporary challenges such as racism, intolerance, bullying and prejudice.

The facility is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available at both the North and South entrances.

For more information on the Holocaust Memorial Center, visit www.holocaustcenter.org, or call 248-553-2400.