Sunday, January 27th is International Remembrance of the Holocaust in which 6 million Jews were killed- for no other reason, than their religion. To put 6 million in perspective- you would need to combine the total number of deaths of the next 8 worldwide genocide atrocities together, to approximate the 6 million Jews that were murdered.

Here’s my question- How do Holocaust Survivors move forward into a life of hope?

I met Holocaust Survivor, Marin Lowneberg about 4 years ago. During World War II, Martin was forcibly separated from his parents at a very young age– thrown into 5 different concentration camps. He never saw his parents, or younger twin brothers, ever again. How does a Holocaust Survivor survive, after experiencing such horrible atrocities? The hatred for Hitler and Nazis must be so intense. Martin would tell me: Love heals, hate hurts.

When I worked with Martin to coordinate his personal Holocaust story to our Rotary club- I would call him up and ask:  Martin- how are you doing today? It could be 10 degrees below zero and miserable–and with that wonderful accent, he would say, Collyer, the sky is blue, the sun is out and bright- it is a beautiful day! How are you doing!! I looked at my phone, got back on, and was about to ask, “Is this Jim Irwin?” His positive outlook is so contagious.

I remember telephoning him during Sukkah. Now, I need to preface- Martin told me one day- Collyer, call me any time, but please, not during Sabbath. Not a problem, I fully understand. As I was coordinating Marin’s presentation with the Holocaust Center, my contact, once again, reminded me- follow up with Martin, but make sure you don’t call him on the Sabbath! Well, you don’t need to a ton of bricks to fall on this guy’s head-so, note to self- only call Martin on a Tuesday or Wednesday- problem solved! So when I called Martin during Sukkah, and he told me he was enjoying Sukkah with his family– Oh My Gosh, I am so sorry!! I apologized all over myself to Martin. I did not know what Sukkah is, but it must be 10 times worse than calling him on the Sabbath! Martin asked me if I knew what Sukkah is- he teaches me by asking questions he is pretty sure I don’t know the answer. Wow, he was so enthusiastic as he explained Sukkah, and shared how life affirming it is to be surrounded by family and friends, rejoicing, eating together, and sharing stories. And, everyone participates making the hut- even his great grand kids (some were lifted up as they put leaves and twigs on the roof).

I can see, that through this love and compassion of family and friends, how Holocaust Survivors mend, and get better. I would soon find out how Holocaust Survivors move forward…

Martin will be speaking at Beth Israel Congregation on Wednesday, May 1st. There will be a service at 7:30 pm- all are welcomed. Martin will speak at 8:00 pm for 45 minutes, and then 15 minutes for questions. My hope (no, beseech, as beseech was a great word in yonder years, and is a great word now) so, I beseech us all to get as many of our family and friends to hear Martin’s story- even if you have heard it before, for this reason:

After Martin shared his personal story to our Rotary group, Martin and I walked back to his car (again, into freezing miserable weather). In much animation, he shared his passion traveling to different schools all over the world to educate and help children, (as well as adults), understand the Holocaust. Martin gently touched my elbow, and as I looked up, he said:  You see, Collyer, we are not getting any younger. Pretty soon, there will be no one left to give a first hand account of the Holocaust. On Martin Luther King Day, Martin turned 91.

How do Holocaust Survivors move forward in life?

The love and compassion of their family and friends, help them mend and heal.  To move forward with passion- they live a life fulfilled with an overflowing abundance of purpose.

And that, fellow Rotarians, is pure inspiration!