With nearly six million casualties, the Holocaust was one of the largest tragedies in human history.
Through multiple events, including many interviews with survivors, University of Wyoming students and faculty will gather this week to learn about the Holocaust during the UW’s Holocaust Remembrance Week.
The event kicked off this Sunday with a performance by the Colorado Hebrew Chorale that took place in the Union’s Yellowstone Ballroom. Following this performance, the film “The Pianist” was shown in the Union’s Senate Chambers Monday night at 6:30 p.m.
Today’s offerings are a series of art related opportunities. First up today is a presentation detailing the art of Sonja Fischerova, which will take place in the Union Family Room from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“The images in Sonja’s Legacy provide a unique way for children and adults to learn about the Holocaust and tolerance,” said a release on the artist’s website.
“Its our big event of the week,” Abi Cohen, a UW student majoring in social work, said, “The event opens a lot of options on campus and it also connects us with different groups on campus, which is great.”
Cohen is a member of Hillel, the Jewish student group on campus. While a smaller group, the group is also the force behind the majority of events of the week.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., an additional art exhibition will take place at UW’s Centennial Complex. Put on by Hillel, the exhibition will include a panel discussion, featuring Professor of Religious Studies Seth Ward, Professor of Art History Rachel Sailor and Professor of Global Area Studies David Messenger.
Maximilian Lerner, a Jewish spy during the Holocaust, will be the focus of events tomorrow. A Skype session featuring Lerner will take place in the Family Room from noon to 2 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. Hillel will put on a showing of the film “Defiance.”
Thursday’s events begin with a Holocaust survivor’s presentation by Estelle Nadel in the Union’s Yellowstone Ballroom from 12:15-2 p.m. A reception for Nadel will be held immediately afterward until 3:30 p.m. That evening, “Schindler’s List” will be screened in the Yellowstone Ballroom at 6:30 p.m.
Additionally, Hillel members and volunteers will read the names of those killed in the Holocaust throughout the week in the breezeway of the Union.
