Presidential Messages

Dear Friends,

In April of 2020,  Idaho State Representative Heather Scott stated that limiting people’s access during this Covid-19 pandemic was comparable to what happened to Jews during the Holocaust. Jewish groups and Holocaust survivors alike were outraged by this totally outlandish statement because quite simply mass murder and genocide is not the same as decisions that, while restrictive, are made so as to save lives. Furthermore, there needs to be recognition of the fact that the corona virus is an act of nature that targets everyone.  The Holocaust, as we all know, was Jewish specific. Finally, the lack of understanding of what the Holocaust was and the vast number of our people destroyed may lie at the core of the current rise of antisemitism in our country and in the world.

When the Covid-19 outbreak first erupted in the New York metro area, Holocaust survivor Diana Kurz, 83, was reminded of her last days in Vienna, before she and her family escaped, where each random encounter might be deadly.  Despite the constant feelings of dread, she recognized the necessity to adjust and remain optimistic; attributes that are also relevant today.  The general philosophy amongst the survivors is that, if one wants to stay safe, one has to obey the rules.  There is no evil in the restrictions that have had to be put in place, just tragedy.

The survivors interviewed about their reaction to both the pandemic and the individuals who cry out about their freedom being denied is both powerful and meaningful. Every word they utter is a reflection of human resilience, the need to remain hopeful, and the necessity for adapting to a new life. This optimism exists despite the fact that, because of their ages, these survivors are amongst the most vulnerable during this plague. When asked about her reaction to Covid-19 survivor Maud Dahme said, “The most precious thing is to be alive…yes there are inconveniences and fear, but I have seen the worst and this is still beautiful.

In strength,

Dorothy