A Tribute to Israel Arbeiter, President of the American Association of Holocaust Survivors of Greater Boston

 The 2010-2011 essay ended in March. 2011-2012 will be announced in January. Please check back then or send an email to the program coordinator if you'd like to be added to a notification list.

 2010-2011 Essay Topic: Traditions

"For over six decades, we survivors vowed that what happened to our loved ones would be remembered and that our experience would serve as a warning to future generations.  It is vital that we remember that it is our commitment to those who perished and to each other--a commitment taken up by our children and hopefully by the generations to come.  What we remember is gruesome and painful, but remember we must."

-Israel Arbeiter

The last thing Israel Arbeiter heard from his father was the importance of keeping Jewish traditions alive. His father and mother were murdered at Treblinka shortly thereafter. Even though this was the darkest day of his life, Mr. Arbeiter has always remembered these words and has lived his life accordingly. Why was this an important message to give a 16 year old, and which family and religious traditions have made you the person that you are today?

Massachusetts' students in grades 6-12 are invited to write a 400-800 word essay on this topic. Essays will be judged on originality, knowledge, style and depth.

Prizes include trips to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C with Israel Arbeiter, savings bonds, and books.

Coordinated by the Jewish Community Relations Council, Friends of the New England Holocaust Memorial and the American Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors of Greater Boston, and many generous donors.

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