Marist Hosts 32nd Annual Holocaust Remembrance
Candles lit by student representatives and campus ministry at the 32nd Annual Holocaust Remembrance Event on April 19. Source: Erin-Leigh Hoffman ‘24
Marist College Holocaust Remembrance Committee with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs hosted the 32nd annual Holocaust remembrance ceremony on April 19.
The event’s main speaker, Cantor Judith Köppel Steel, recounted her story of survival during the Holocaust through Zoom. Steel was one of the passengers on the MS St. Louis ship that was turned away from Cuba, the U.S. and Canada and sent back to Europe, where passengers were sent to concentration camps when they arrived.
“Many of the passengers on that ship ended up being murdered by the Nazis in the Holocaust, so it is a dark chapter in American history too that we were unable to welcome these refugees,” said Dr. Joshua Kotzin, Chair of the English Department, Associate Professor of English and Jewish Studies Coordinator.
The program opened with Marist College Chamber Singers performing “Even When He Is Silent” by Kim Andre Arnesen. Sarah Williams, Choral Activities Director, has been involved with the annual event for several years and believes that music is a key aspect of how people absorb the information presented.
“There is something intrinsic in all of us that enjoys music,” said Williams. When reflecting on the role of music in this remembrance event, she feels that “What’s important is that the message becomes part of this group because the whole idea of never again means never again for anyone.”
Following the moving musical piece by the Marist College Chamber Choir, Steel began to tell her story. She details her experience being on the ship as a small child with her family. Steel and her family fled Germany in 1939, but were eventually sent back to Europe. Steel disembarked the MS St. Louis in Belgium, and her parents were then taken away to Auschwitz concentration camp, where they were killed. Steel survived the Holocaust by hiding in France with another family.
In her speech, Steel read a poignant letter to her mother and father. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your great wisdom. The wisdom to make sure that your message will carry on through me, my children, my four grandchildren, as well as future generations,” Steel said lovingly.
Steel is now 84 and has lived a full life after surviving the Holocaust. She discovered her passion for music and trained to become a cantor. She has also done consistent work internationally to raise awareness about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Sarah Lazinsk ’23, a member of Marist College Hillel and the Holocaust Remembrance Committee, appreciates the continued awareness brought on by these annual events. “I think it really helps the Jewish community at Marist to see that the school still does this event every single year because a lot of students do feel ostracized still,” said Lazinsk.
President Kevin C. Weinman was in attendance for the event and strongly believes in the value of maintaining these programs at Marist. “As we become a more diverse, welcoming and inclusive institution, we need to know more about the backgrounds of those within your community,” said Weinman.