Holocaust Memorial Events Planned

04/18/2017 

The College will host two visiting speakers to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, which this year is Monday, April 24.

Both events are free and open to the public.

Leibel Mangel, the 2017 Jewish People’s Choice Award winner, will tell his story, “From Auschwitz to the Israeli Defense Force,” on Thursday, April 20.

Sponsored by SUNY Cortland Hillel, the talk will begin at 7 p.m. in Corey Union Fireplace Lounge. Refreshments will be provided.

Mangel’s story recounts his journey from Cincinnati, Ohio, when he left his family at age 19 to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Mangel speaks about his experiences serving in the Israeli military and how he now continues his service by preserving Jewish pride and strength throughout the country.

On Thursday, April 27, Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone of Congregation Beth Sholom Chevra Shas in Jamesville, N.Y., will discuss “Decoding Sacred Texts to Build Meaning: Today, Tomorrow, and Yesterday.”

His talk will take place at 4:30 p.m. in Corey Union Fireplace Lounge. Refreshments will be provided.

The event is supported by Jewish Studies and the Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies.

According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, which in 2017 is Monday, April 24. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. In Hebrew, Holocaust Remembrance Day is called Yom Hashoah.

For more information, contact Nance Wilson, associate professor and chair of the Literacy Department, at 607-753-4375.