This article appeared in the Sept. 30, 2005 Jewish Advocate.

Boston holds Café Europa event as survivors gather at Temple Emeth

BY SUSIE DAVIDSON

Warm words were on the menu along with deli foods at Temple Emeth on Sunday, as Holocaust survivors and family members mingled, reminisced and made acquaintance. The afternoon, which drew 230 people, was funded by a grant by the New York-based Conference on Material Claims Against Germany (commonly referred to as the “Claims Conference”). Organized by the American Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors of Greater Boston, it included delicacies from the Butcherie, entertainment from members of Shirim, speakers and tributes. Members of the Boston Child Survivor Group and Generations After, a group for descendants of survivors, were also invited.

The program began with a moment of silence, facilitated by AAJHS President Israel Arbeiter, for the victims of the Nazis who did not survive the war. The singing of the Star Spangled Banner followed, led by New England Holocaust Memorial founder Steve Ross and his wife Mary (Ross’ daughter Julie, President of Generations After, and son Michael, a Boston City Councilor, were also in attendance).

The crowd, led by Holocaust survivor Abraham Werber of Peabody, then sang Hatikvah. AAJHS Past President Morris Kesselman, who traveled from his home in Falmouth for the event, chanted the HaMotzi.

AAJHS Vice President Hannah Lushan, Arbeiter and AAJHS Treasurer Tania Lefman watched approvingly as attendees ate, danced to Shirim and Naftule’s Dream clarinetist Glenn Dickson’s adaptations of familiar tunes, and wished one another well. Sara Eigenberg, a Planned Giving Associate of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, spoke about the Museum’s exhibit on the 1933 Nazi book burnings, “Fighting the Fires of Hate,” which will open at the Boston Public Library on Nov. 6.

“It was a wonderful event,” said Lushan, who coordinated the invitations, sent out flyers and emails, arranged table seatings and oversaw other logistical aspects. “Everyone commented on how much they looked forward to another one.” Lushan, who is also a member of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston’s Holocaust Commemoration Committee, attended another Café Europa event in Boca Raton, Florida this past winter.

“I obviously can’t say the food was bad,” said the Butcherie’s Max Gelerman. “But I’m always happy to cater events for Izzy, who is a wonderful guy and the best friend anybody could have.”

“It’s so nice to see all the people, even if many are on canes,” said Anna Gerut of Milton, whose daughter Rosalie sings with the Klezmer Conservatory Band.

The crowd also included Sandy Salzman of Sharon, whose husband was a survivor; Rita Barth, a child survivor from Randolph; survivor Aaron Raboy, who drove others to the event; survivor and Malden retail operator Sevek Fishman; as well as Chana Seldin, a Warsaw Uprising survivor; George Goldrich, who helped save Steve Ross’ life by sneaking him food at the Budzin concentration camp; JF&CS Holocaust Services Program Coordinator Ellen Krechmer; Ben Kuchinsky, who helps cook the Kosher meal every Friday at the Brighton JCC; and Monika Dane, the liaison for Holocaust issues at the German Consulate.

The Claims Conference’s national Cafe Europa program gives victims of the Nazi era an opportunity to socialize, gather information through speakers and networking, and lend each other support. “AAJHS in Boston is very happy to receive this grant, which enabled us to get the Holocaust survivors together to enjoy a wonderful afternoon,” said Arbeiter.

“I hope that Cafe Europa is only the first of many,” said Rosian Zerner, who is the Vice President of the World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust. “It is so wonderful that aging Holocaust survivors have a venue where they can socialize and relax with peers, share some delicious food, dance or tap their feet to the music of a good orchestra, and simply enjoy each other.”

The AAJHS will hold a Yizkor ceremony on Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at Brandeis University’s Berlin Chapel. The annual event, which provides a memorial service for those who have no graves to visit, will include a candlelighting ceremony and an address by Isaac Kott, Vice President of Generations After.

For information about the American Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors of Greater Boston, please call 617-969-8534.