Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

The Holocaust Center in Maitland will host guest speaker Joanie Holzer Schirm, author of "Adventurers Against Their Will," at its annual Yom HaShoah program. This annual International Day of Remembrance commemorates the lives of the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust and honors the survivors, liberators, and rescuers who keep their memories alive.

Schirm will share the lessons learned from the Holocaust-era letters she inherited from her father, Dr. Oswald A. Holzer. Through her father's correspondence, including copies of letters he sent from the relative safety of China where he sought refuge from his native Czechoslovakia, Schirm learned firsthand about the struggles of her father's friends and family as they faced fear, betrayal, deprivation, isolation, and victimization.

Honorary chairwoman for the event will be Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. Also participating in the interfaith service will be Rev. Willie Barnes of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and A Gift For Music Chamber Orchestra.

The Yom HaShoah program will include traditional music, prayers, and candle lighting by area survivors as well as the presentation of awards to winners of the Yom HaShoah Student Creative Arts Contest.

The event will take place Sunday, April 27, in the gymnasium of the Jewish Community Center, 851 N Maitland Ave (next door to the  Holocaust Center) and will begin at 4 p.m.  No admission is charged, and reservations are not required.

The Center's programs and events are made possible through generous grants and sponsorships by the United Arts of Central Florida, Inc., and Florida Department of State-Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Center's generous corporate and individual supporters.