Israeli youth: Holocaust most significant event
The Holocaust was the most significant event of the last century, surpassing the subsequent establishment of the State of Israel, a survey of Israeli Jewish high school students released Sunday found.
A total of 48 percent of Israeli pupils surveyed said that the Holocaust was the most significant event of the last century, compared to 42 percent who cited the establishment of the State of Israel, and 10 percent who listed other events, including the 2005 pullout from Gaza, according to the survey carried out by the Massuah Institute for the Study of the Holocaust ahead of International Holocaust Day on Jan. 27.
The poll also found that 35 percent of Israeli pupils think Israel is a racist society. A total of 31 percent believe the country is tolerant.
The results of the survey regarding racism in Israel are “the most worrying,” said Aya Ben-Naftali, director-general of the Holocaust Institute.
As in years past, the poll found that trips to the Nazi death camps in Poland are the best method of Holocaust education, even after a year when the number of these trips have decreased due to their costs.
A total of 51 percent of the students polled said that trips to Poland were the most significant way to learn about the Holocaust, compared to 19 percent who cited seminars at Holocaust museums and 14 percent who said Holocaust movies and TV programs as well as the Internet.
The survey found that the Holocaust has placed an indelible mark on Israeli society.
While 76 percent of the young respondents said that they had no familial or biological connection to the Holocaust, nearly 60 percent of them said that they discussed the topic at their homes with their family members.
Kehilla encouraging audience to sing and dance to ‘Fiddler’
Have a hankering for “Tradition” or a yen for “Anatevka”? You can get your “Fiddler” fix next month at Kehilla Community Synagogue in Piedmont.
The whole community is welcome at the family-friendly “Great Kehilla Sing-and-Dance-Along: Fiddler on the Roof,” which will take place
7 p.m. Feb. 7. The classic 1971 musical will be shown, and audience participation (and costume-wearing) will be strongly encouraged.
Kehilla is also putting out a call for “Scene Stealers,” groups of people who will act out their favorite scenes at various points in the movie. In addition, the synagogue is looking for volunteer musicians, a stage manager, a projectionist, a producer, ticket takers and other miscellaneous helpers. To volunteer to be a Scene Stealer, or to help out at the event, e-mail Sandy Bredt, [email protected].
The screening will take place at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. Tickets are $12 for Kehilla members, $18 for non-member adults and $5 for children. For more information, visit www.kehillasynagogue.org or call (510) 547-2424 ext. 101.