#United States #New York City #Claims Conference #Museum of Jewish Heritage #Holocaust Remembrance

Global Film Series to Commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Claims Conference, in conjunction with the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, is set to launch a groundbreaking global film series aimed at honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day. This inaugural film series will run from April 14 to April 20, 2026, featuring screenings across various cities including Frankfurt and Berlin in Germany, as well as all five boroughs of New York City.

Gideon Taylor, the President of the Claims Conference, expressed the unique power of film as a medium to convey history in a deeply human manner, making the accounts of the Holocaust accessible across borders and generations. With the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors, the need to engage future audiences through compelling storytelling has become increasingly urgent. Taylor emphasized that film can transform these historical narratives into emotional truths, fostering a disconnection from distant history to present-day relevance.

The theme of the series, ''Strength of Courage,'' underscores the spirit of resilience demonstrated by individuals amid the atrocities of World War II. The films selected for this series will spotlight stories of bravery, whether through survival or active resistance, and will include prominent figures associated with Holocaust history such as Elie Wiesel and Hannah Arendt.

The screening events in New York will feature diverse moderators and panel discussions, including notable figures from journalism and film studies. Each screening will highlight contributions from Holocaust historians, producers, and survivors, providing a platform for viewers to engage with the narratives on a personal level. Notable participants include Chuck Todd, Adam Kuperstein, and renowned Holocaust historian Michael Berenbaum, alongside other scholars and survivors who are set to share their invaluable insights and experiences.

In Berlin, the events will include discussions with filmmakers such as Patrick Sobelman and Yair Qedar, who are behind significant works like ''The Most Precious of Cargoes'' and ''Black Honey.'' Additionally, films focusing on the life of Elie Wiesel will feature testimonials from vulnerable voices, including 92-year-old Holocaust survivor Assia Gorban.

The Frankfurt screenings organized in cooperation with the Jewish Community will also include important discussions aimed at bridging gaps between communities and generations. The discussions will present an ideal opportunity for attendees to engage deeply with the narratives and reflect on the profound lessons that arise from the collective memory of the Holocaust.

As the world navigates through complex discussions on historical memory and its implications, Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference, highlighted the pressing responsibility to preserve survivor testimonies. He asserted that each story captured represents a moral duty to ensure the historical significance remains indelible, inviting future generations to understand the consequences of hatred, the journey of survival, and the strength it took to rebuild.

Jack Kliger, President and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage, remarked that utilizing the film medium serves to solidify shared responsibility among communities to confront rising antisemitism and distorted memories surrounding the Holocaust. This series aims to amplify voices and narratives that honor the legacies of survivors while promoting an urgent dialogue around humanity's dark past.

The global initiative will kick off at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on April 14, featuring film shorts followed by a stimulating discussion panel moderated by Aaron Katersky. The event, enriched by the narratives of films directed by Sabina Vajraca, Jennifer Skarbnik, and Dara Bratt, aims to set a high standard for the series' exploration of historical and personal narratives connected to the Holocaust.

For further details about the film series and complimentary registration options, individuals can visit www.claimscon.org/strength. The global film series serves as a poignant reminder of the lessons learned from the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance in maintaining the dialogue around dignity, humanity, and resilience.