Holocaust Educator Helen Bissell to Speak at Community-Wide Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration at the MJCCA's Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden
On Sunday, April 15, 2018, from 3:30-4:30 pm, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) will invite the entire community to come together for a special Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) commemoration ceremony at the MJCCA’s Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden, one of the preeminent Holocaust Memorials in the Southeast. The program will feature remarks from Holocaust Educator Helen Bissell. The program is free of charge, and will take place at the MJCCA, (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody). Rain or Shine. For information, visit atlantajcc.org, or call 678.812.4161.
About Yom HaShoah
Yom HaShoah (also known as “Holocaust Martyrs'” and “Heroes' Remembrance Day”) - "Shoah" is Hebrew for destruction, and is another name for the Holocaust. This day commemorates the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust. At the same time, it marks the anniversary of the heroic Warsaw Ghetto uprising of 1943. In Israel, a morning siren sounds, stopping all activity; people stand in honor of those who died. Jews around the world hold memorials and vigils, often lighting six candles in honor of the six million Holocaust victims.
Guest Speaker Helen Bissell
Helen will share the story of her father, Abe Korn. At only 16 years old, Abe witnessed Nazis invade his hometown of Lipno, Poland, on the first day of World War II. Abe survived the entire war as a Jewish prisoner, enduring two Nazi ghettos, eight concentration camps, and a 45-day Death March from Auschwitz. Astonishingly, Abe kept his sense of human dignity. He always believed he could live one more day, and on April 11, 1945, when Buchenwald was liberated, Abe was free to pursue life as he wanted to live it.
After moving to the United States and running a remarkably successful business for many years, Abram Korn died in 1972. In his wake, he left the rough draft of a manuscript of his story. Twenty years after his death, his son Joey began completing his father’s story. In 1995, the first edition of Abe’s Story was published on the fiftieth anniversary of Abe’s liberation. Abe left behind an enduring legacy of strength, kindness, and hope in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Helen has been speaking to groups and organizations about Abe's Story for the past 17 years.
A dedicated philanthropist, Helen served on the board of the American Cancer Society and the fundraising board of the Children’s Cancer Clinic at the Medical College of Georgia. Throughout her life, Helen has volunteered at schools, served on PTO boards, and worked in classrooms as a substitute teacher. Helen has received many awards for her community involvement and leadership. In 2006, Helen was honored by the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust at the Georgia State Capitol Days of Remembrance Ceremony. She lives in Augusta, GA, has been married to Rob Bissell for 27 years. They have two children, Ellie, 27 and Ben, 24.
Additional Yom HaShoah Program Highlights
- Remember the victims of the Holocaust with readings and memorial prayers;
- Experience the lighting of six torches in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust.
About the MJCCA’s Yom HaShoah Commemoration (RAIN or SHINE) – (April 15, 2018)
Each year, a special, community-wide Yom HaShoah commemoration is held at the Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden at the MJCCA. Holocaust Survivor Abe Besser and his wife Marlene Gelertner Besser built this Memorial to commemorate that horrific time, and to serve as a valuable teaching mechanism to remind and educate on what hatred and indifference can do. The Yom HaShoah commemoration is co-sponsored by the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, The Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast, and the MJCCA.
About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)
Impacting more than 60,000 people annually, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is welcoming to people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds. The MJCCA is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly-regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. Our NAEYC-accredited preschools (The Weinstein School and The Sunshine School), award-winning camps, outstanding cultural events, and invigorating sports and fitness programs engage and connect the community.
Contact Info:
Media inquiries: Lora Sommer, 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org
Program information: Rabbi Brian Glusman at 678.812.4161, brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org.
Visit online: atlantajcc.829stage.com.
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