What's Happening?
Yaroslava Levitska, the last remaining Righteous Among the Nations in Israel, was honored by students from Haifa's Basmat School on her 91st birthday. The celebration took place at the nursing home where Levitska resides, with participation from the Haifa Municipality
and the Rotary Carmel organization. The students sang songs in Hebrew and Russian, and presented Levitska with flowers and cakes. Levitska, who was born in 1935 in Zolochiv, Poland, played a significant role during the Holocaust by smuggling food and medicine to Jews in the ghetto. Her family was recognized as Righteous Among the Nations in 1989, and she moved to Haifa in 1995 after receiving Israeli citizenship. The event was part of the Haifa Municipality's efforts to commemorate the Righteous Among the Nations and preserve Holocaust memory.
Why It's Important?
This celebration underscores the importance of Holocaust remembrance and the recognition of those who risked their lives to save others during one of history's darkest periods. By honoring Levitska, the students and the community are not only preserving the memory of the Holocaust but also promoting values of compassion and responsibility. The event highlights the ongoing commitment to educating younger generations about the past, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten. This initiative by the Haifa Municipality and Basmat School serves as a reminder of the moral duty to remember and honor those who stood against oppression and injustice.
What's Next?
The Haifa Municipality's Municipal Institute for Holocaust Studies will continue its work to honor the Righteous Among the Nations and preserve Holocaust memory. The institute's joint program with Basmat School will persist in educating students about the actions of these individuals, collecting information, and preserving their legacy. Such efforts are crucial in fostering a culture of remembrance and understanding, ensuring that future generations remain aware of the past and its implications for the present and future.
