There are stories that live in history books and then there are stories that survive because someone was there to tell them. On April 27, St. Louis will gather at Congregation Temple Israel for its annual Yom HaShoah commemoration, focusing on “Liberation, Loss and Life”—three words that sum up the complexity of what happened after the Holocaust.
This year’s program will not only honor survivors and their descendants but will also recognize the journalists who bore witness to the unimaginable, ensuring that the world could never say, “We didn’t know.”
As a journalist, I spend a lot of time writing about Jewish life in St. Louis—the celebrations, the challenges, the stories that connect us. But being part of this program is something different. It’s an honor and a responsibility.
On April 27, I’ll take part in a moment of recognition—laying a Righteous Among the Nations Rose in tribute to the journalists who risked everything to document the Holocaust and its aftermath. Writers, photographers and correspondents who walked through the gates of hell and made sure the world saw what they saw. Their words became proof. Their images, undeniable.
As someone with no known familial connection to the Holocaust, this act has become deeply personal. Since joining the Jewish Light, I’ve had the privilege of meeting Holocaust survivors, their families and the descendants of those whose stories we strive to keep alive. Participating in this commemoration, like reading the names of Holocaust victims in past years, has become my way of connecting—not just to the people and the history, but to a shared responsibility to remember.
At the heart of the commemoration will be the lighting of memorial candles, led by Holocaust survivors, their families and community leaders. Personal testimonies will bring history to life in a way no textbook ever could. Through prayer, music and reflection, the community will reaffirm its commitment to remembrance and to standing against hatred in all its forms.
For those who have never attended a Yom HaShoah event, it’s hard to put into words just how powerful the experience can be. It is a moment of solemnity, but also one of connection—of seeing not just what was lost but what survived.
Following the program, a community reception will offer space for conversation and reflection. Because remembering isn’t only about looking back—it’s about ensuring these stories are never forgotten and never repeated.
This event is free and open to the public. If you’ve ever wondered whether one person, one story, one act of bearing witness can make a difference—this is where you’ll find your answer.
Yom HaShoah Holocaust Commemoration
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Program: 3-4:30 pm | Reception: 4:30-5:30 pm
Congregation Temple Israel | 1 Rabbi Alvan D Rubin Dr, St. Louis, MO 63141
Free & open to the public
