80 years of liberation, somber celebration set for later this month...
On January 27, 1945 the gates of Auschwitz opened and in horrified awe, thousands of prisoners, some a whisper away from death, were found inside its wooden barracks. The concentration camp, which operated in Poland during The Holocaust, took the lives of more than 1 million Jews.
In reflection and remembrance, members and staff of the Greenville Jewish Federation will be taking part in the 80th Commemoration of the Liberation of Auschwitz in Columbia. The memorial, hosted by the state Council on the Holocaust, will be held Monday, January 27th, at 10:30am, at the Pastides Alumni Center in collaboration with the University of South Carolina's Anne Frank Center.
Key speakers include Governor Henry McMaster, NBC's Chuck Todd and the children of Holocaust survivors. A candle lighting ceremony is also scheduled.
The event is open to the public and free to attend, but registration is required. The ceremony will also be livestreamed by SCETV.
PRESS RELEASE: Greenville Jewish Federation taking part in Commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Greenville Jewish Federation staff and members of the Upstate community will be taking part in the 80th Commemoration of the Liberation of Auschwitz later this month.
The South Carolina Council on the Holocaust will host the memorial on Monday, January 27th, 2025, at the Pastides Alumni Center in Columbia at 10:30 a.m. and is hosted in collaboration with University of South Carolina’s Anne Frank Center.
Key speakers include NBC's Chuck Todd and Governor Henry McMaster. The program features Holocaust survivors' children participating in a candle lighting ceremony.
Rev. Eric Manning (Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Charleston), Rabbi Erik Uriate (Tree of Life Reform Congregation, Columbia), and Rabbi Sam Rose (Temple of Israel Congregation, Greenville) will provide spiritual reflections.
The Fort Jackson Color Guard and 282nd Army Band will honor the occasion with the na7onal anthem and colors presentation. Music also will be performed by Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim and the University of South Carolina School of Music.
The event will be livestreamed by SCETV at www.scetv.org/80thLiberation.
Courtney Tessler, CEO of the Greenville Jewish Federation, served on the planning committee for the event. “In these troubled times, we want to take time to reflect on a day of liberation and history,” Tessler said.
About the Greenville Jewish Federation:
The Greenville Jewish Federation is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving and strengthening the Jewish community in Greenville and neighboring counties. With a rich history of philanthropy and
community building, the Federation works tirelessly to support educational programs, social services, cultural events, and advocacy efforts that promote Jewish values, heritage, and unity. To learn more about the Greenville Jewish Federation's initiatives and upcoming programs, visit www.jewishgreenville.org.
About the South Carolina Council on the Holocaust:
The South Carolina Council on the Holocaust is dedicated to promoting Holocaust education and awareness throughout the state. The Council strives to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten and that future generations are equipped to recognize and combat hatred and prejudice.
Learn more at www.scholocaustcouncil.org.
About the Anne Frank Center:
The University of South Carolina’s Anne Frank Center is the official partner of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam for the US and Canada. It aims to inspire visitors to stand against antisemitism and bigotry by remembering Anne’s legacy. The Center offers educational programs, tours, and traveling exhibits to engage local communities and promote Holocaust education. Learn more at www.sc.edu/annefrankcenter.