03/26/2026
Yom Hashoah V’Hagvurah Commemoration April 13
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Article reprinted with permission from Cleveland Jewish News
by Casey Couch
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland will host its annual Yom Hashoah V’Hagvurah commemoration from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 13 at Congregation Mishkan Or at 26000 Shaker Blvd. in Beachwood.
Hirsh
This year’s theme, “From Trauma to Transformation: The Enduring Impact of the Holocaust Across Generations,” will explore the Holocaust’s far-reaching effects across four interconnected spheres – individual, family, community and global. The theme takes a broader look at topics that were explored last year, which related to deep dives on family history.
“This year, we wanted to zoom out and explore how those experiences shaped a broader sense of community and contributed to a sense of gratitude and responsibility amongst the Jewish community,” Jordan Walman, co-chair of the event, told the Cleveland Jewish News.
According to Erica Hirsh, co-chair of the event alongside Walman, the commemoration will include a moving candle lighting ceremony which will honor the contributions of both community members and local institutions.
“We will be honoring many different spheres of, not just influence, but initiatives, families and local individuals who have volunteered their time to participate in Holocaust education and remembrance,” Hirsh said.
Walman
The program will include a traditional procession of Jewish war veterans with Holocaust Torahs and flags, and a March of Generations that will signify the importance of future generations. Musical performances, including one by Cantor Vladimir Lapin, and remarks from leaders at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and Congregation Mishkan Or will also take place following the processions.
“All these elements are designed to balance remembrance with reflection and resilience, and continuity of our community, both locally and globally, as well as the importance of remembering and never forgetting why we are here,” Walman said.
There will also be a chance to hear from at least one Holocaust survivor during the commemoration – an important piece of the program for both co-chairs who are each descendants of Holocaust survivors themselves.
“Any opportunity to hear directly from a Holocaust survivor is not something that should be missed by anyone in our community,” Walman added.
According to Hirsh, there will also be an exhibit from Jewish Family Service Association’s Holocaust Legacy Project, which features interviews of Holocaust survivors, some who have since passed away, to share their stories. Kol Israel Foundation’s Face-To-Face program will also be honored, as well as photographs of survivors and content for attendees to read and interact with on display.
“There are so many initiatives happening on many levels around Holocaust remembrance and education,” Hirsh said. “Unfortunately, there’s no way we can highlight and honor everybody, but we are doing our best to showcase some of them and their impact.”
The co-chairs said that their goal is to reach more community members this year, as they invite those who are interested to join them, educate themselves, and hear from survivors and leaders in the community.
“Unfortunately, as our survivor community becomes smaller with time, it’s evermore important, even with the rise in antisemitism, to talk about the past, never forget, and learn from those lessons,” Walman said.
All community members are welcome to attend, and content is appropriate for school-aged children.
The event is free, but registration is required in advance at bit.ly/4m0DEgr.
