Holocaust Memorial Day Planned at Temple Israel in Riverhead

Temple Israel of Riverhead is hosting a special Holocaust Memorial Day program on April 14 recognizing the heroic actions of a group of German Christian university men in Nazi Germany, as well as other young people who stand up to evil worldwide.

These men, part of a group called the White Rose, were nonviolent, intellectual students from the University of Munich who stood up to the atrocities of Nazi Germany during Hitler’s reign. They did this by distributing leaflets and engaging in grafitti condemning the actions of the Third Reich.

Their story is told by Dr. Jud Newborn in his book Sophie Scholl and The White Rose, the companion to the 2006 Oscar-nominated film: Sophie Scholl: The Final Days. Needless to say, the actions of the White Rose resulted in their horrific deaths, but their message and determination to speak up against Hitler’s terrifying rule left a lasting and heroic legacy.

Starting with the White Rose message, “We will not be silent,” Dr. Newborn will present a multi-media program, entitled Speaking Truth to Power: Sophie Scholl and the White Rose, including stories of other freedom-fighters throughout the world who speak up against all types of discrimination, hate and evil thrust upon humanity.

This educational and thought provoking evening is an appropriate way to recognize the Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Observance begins at 7 p.m. on April 14 at Temple Israel, 490 Northville Turnpike, Riverhead. templeisraelriverhead.org