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Never Again—Yet Here Again

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Alex Keisch joins Yuliya Habib, her daughter, Elina and the winner of the Never Again essay contest; and Holocaust Survivor Halina Zimm. Family Photo

By Rachel Loria

On Sunday, Nov. 9, Emek Sholom Board Members and supporters throughout the state of Virginia gathered at Emek Sholom Cemetery in the east end of Henrico.

The purpose, similar to years past, was to remember family members who perished during the Holocaust.

This year, similar to last, we honored those who are fighting for Israel, those who died defending our precious homeland, and those hostages whose safe return we anxiously await.

 

Alex Keisch passionately leads his opening remarks

Irina Manelis, in her first year as co-chair for the Kristallnacht program, delivers remarks.

Irina Manelis and Alex Keisch led the ceremony this year and brought in speakers including Heidi Nunnally, 2nd Generation Survivor and daughter of Frances Nunnally, of blessed memory; Orly Lewis, CEO of Weinstein JCC; and Bob Marcellus, who coordinated the delivery of 13 tons of body armor to Israeli first responders and the IDF.

 

Orly Lewis, CEO, Weinstein JCC, as the keynote speaker who spoke about her family in Tunisia as a young child and life in Israel.

Participants also included Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman (Beth Ahabah) and Rabbi Sherry Grinsteiner (Or Atid).

 

Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman

As always, the committee honors a high school student with the Esther J. Windmueller Never Again Award. Students submit essays about combatting anti-Semitism.

The 2024 winner is Elina Habib, a sophomore at Glen Allen High School.

She presented her poignant and well-written essay comparing the events of Kristallnacht to the current war in Israel.

She spoke about the need for education and awareness to prevent the rampant spread of anti-Semitism.

The second-place winner for 2024 was Nicoletta (Nica) Shapovalova, who also tied in events of October 7. 2023, and included the need for more education and awareness.

Kristallnacht 2024 at Emek Sholom created an opportunity for prayer, meaningful speakers and the power of community. We remain grateful to our board members and chairs of the event for their hours of preparation and thought, but we are most grateful for the community that supports us and creates our sacred community year after year.

See more photos by Rachel Loria:

Bob Marcellus, who coordinated delivery of body armor to Israeli EMTs and IDF soldiers, speaks about his efforts
Rabbi Sherry Grinsteiner (Or Atid) leads a prayer for the hostages

 

Heidi Nunnally beautifully shares the story of her mother, Francis Nunnally (of blessed memory).

 

Halina Zimm, Holocaust Survivor, listens to the emotional speeches during Kristallnacht.
Inge Horowitz (Survivor), her daughter, Rita Peyton (2nd generation survivor); and Melissa Krumbein (mother of IDF officer) listen to Heidi Nunnally’s thoughtful remarks –
Jonatan Contreras waves an Israeli flag in support of Israel during the Kristalnacht ceremony
(ABOVE/RIGHT/BELOW) Community members listen to Elina Habib’s powerful essay.

 

 

 

(ABOVE/RIGHT)Community members gather to place stones on the Emek Sholom Monument.

 

 

Emek Sholom monument

*Emek Sholom Holocaust Memorial Cemetery is the final resting place for persons of the Jewish faith who have physical and/or emotional ties to the Holocaust, and their families. Its primary goal is to memorialize victims of the Holocaust, whose descendants live(d) in the greater Richmond area, through maintaining the historic Holocaust Memorial landmark, and promoting Holocaust education.*