On Sunday, September 22nd, over 300 people gathered at Holocaust Memorial Park for the Association for East European Jewry’s (AEEJ) 21st Annual Remembrance Day. The event, led by AEEJ President Bella Gubenko, was a deeply moving tribute to the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and the victims of the October 7th massacre in Israel.
The ceremony opened with a color guard holding both the American and Israeli flags, followed by a stirring rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the Israeli National Anthem, “Hatikva,” sung by Brandeis University student Danna Esther Gelfand. Attendees, including Holocaust survivors, local dignitaries and community leaders, honored those who were lost and emphasized that the fight against antisemitism continues.
Gubenko spoke of unity and resilience. “This event sends a clear message of hope during these challenging times – Am Yisrael Chai,” she said, reaffirming the Jewish people’s enduring spirit. Anastasia Yaskova, Brooklyn Borough Director of the Office of the Mayor, presented a citation to Gubenko and the AEEJ on behalf of the mayor.
Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, whose district includes Holocaust Memorial Park, recalled his own experience with antisemitism as a student in Moscow. “Sadly, this park should never have existed, because the events that led to it should never have happened.” Reflecting on the recent operations in Lebanon, he said, “You cannot negotiate with terrorists,” urging Jews around the world to continue to fight.
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov connected the Holocaust to the rise of modern antisemitism. Sharing the story of her Chief of Operations, Izzy Weiss, who lost many family members in the Holocaust, Vernikov also reflected on her own family’s history, recalling how her relatives from Ukraine escaped to Uzbekistan during the war. She stressed the importance of remembering Holocaust victims while standing against the resurgence of hatred today. “We must speak out against evil wherever it is.”
In a drawing competition organized by My Way Child and Youth Development Center, led by Alyona Badalova, children created black-and-white sketches depicting the horrors of the Holocaust. To symbolize life and joy, Gubenko gave the young artists bags filled with vivid paints, remarking, “May we return color to the lives of our children, underscoring the importance that future generations have the opportunity to live free from fear and oppression.”
Former Councilman Ari Kagan said, “I’m proud that the AEEJ continues to do everything possible to protect the memory of the Holocaust and support the government of Israel.”
Participants lit candles to honor the memories of Holocaust victims as well as Israeli and American hostages currently held in Gaza. The rabbi blew the shofar in celebration of the upcoming Jewish holidays, calling for prayers and a moment of silence.
Saveliy Kaplinsky, a survivor of the Minsk ghetto, and fighter in the partisan resistance, who stood as a testament to the Jewish people’s resilience, emphasized the event theme – “No One is Forgotten – Nothing is Forgotten.”
The event concluded with the release of doves into the air, as a symbol of hope and peace in the Jewish New Year.
Note: There will be a vigil at Holocaust Memorial Park on Sunday, October 6th, at 11 a.m. for one year of captivity of the hostages.
