MHRFT participates in the Assyrian American Memorial Day observance

On August 10, 2019, MHRFT participated in the observance of the Assyrian American Memorial Day at the Yonkers Assyrian American Cultural Center. This annual event commemorates the victims of persecution and atrocities that the Assyrian community has been subjected to over the course of the past century.

The Museum presented its exhibit “From a “Crime Without A Name “ To Genocide: The Simele Massacre of Assyrians, Iraq, August 1933”. This atrocity was a pivotal point in the history of Assyrian people, who lost all hope for establishing a safe homeland for its population. It was also the original impetus for the groundbreaking work of Polish-Jewish jurist Raphael Lemkin in creating the word “genocide” and formalizing genocide law through the adoption of the United Nations Genocide Charter. The exhibit was introduced by Igor Kotler, MHRFT Executive Director, who delivered exhibit remarks as part of the event program.

The event featured participation of the local community leaders, as well as the New York State and US legislators, who spoke at the event.

Holocaust commemoration events conducted by MHRFT

On January 27, 2019, MHRFT marked the International Holocaust Remembrance Day in a solemn ceremony. After the memorial prayer delivered by Rabbi Mendy Lubin (Chabad of SE Morris County) and introductory remarks by President Igor Kotler, Boris Shapiro read a survivor story of his father, Semion Shapiro, who miraculously escaped the massacre of the Jews of his shtetl. Alexander Mushkin talked about the Museum and his family's experience in WWII and Museum's volunteer Gideon Frydman told the story of his family suffering and survival in Lublin (Poland). Participants of the ceremony commemorated the victims with lighting candles and concluded with a prayer for peace.

On May 1, 2019, the Holocaust and Heroism Commemoration Day (Yom HaShoah on the Jewish calendar) observance ceremony was held at the Millburn Free Public Library.

Event program featured presentations on the origins and lessons of the Holocaust and survivor accounts, made by MHRF staff and volunteers. Dr. Stephen Bronner (Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University) shared his insight into innovative approaches to Holocaust education.