At first glance, the glossy picture of the vibrant red flowers, sprouting green grass and a tattered wire fence with aged buildings in the background seemed like just another photograph.
But after skimming the short explanation of the image, the brightness was quickly overshadowed by darkness as a sharp contrast was revealed. The flowers were not in front of just any fence. Instead it was the electric fence used to keep prisoners from escaping the Auschwitz concentration camp.
This image, along with other photographs, songs and prayers were part of the 24 Hour Reading of the Names. The reading of the names was in observance of Yom Hashoa, which means “The day of the Holocaust.” Located on the Oval by the Main Library, the readings began yesterday evening at sundown and will continue through sundown today.
“The reading of the names, according to Jewish tradition, is an important way to pay tribute and respect to those who died during the Holocaust. It is also a way to mourn those whose entire families were victims and, therefore, had no one mourning for them at the time of their deaths,” said Jessica Elkan, program associate at the Hillel Foundation.
During the readings, various Ohio State students take a few minutes to read the names of German-Jews who died during the Holocaust. Each student could read the names however they felt comfortable, out loud or quietly to themselves, Elkan said.
“By reading the names, it is a way for mourners to recognize each victim as a human being and not just a number,” Elkan said.
Not only is this a time for remembrance, but it is also a way to educate the OSU community.
“It is important to educate others about the Holocaust because there is a fear that as more and more survivors pass away, younger generations will not remember what they went through,” said Debra Feld, program director at the Hillel Foundation.
For that reason, within the actual memorial service, many educational facts were displayed. For example, statistics posted showed that Jewish people were only one of many groups of people who were killed during the Holocaust. Blacks, homosexuals, the handicapped and Jehovah’s Witnesses were just a few of the groups who were also victims.
The reading of the names continues to impact students. As a result, different students take ownership of the service, which ensures there will always be people to relay the stories and the experiences of the victims, Feld said.
Because few survivors of the Holocaust remain, the increasing participation in the 24 Hour Reading of the Names gives hope that experiences will not be forgotten.
“My mother experienced great terror and fear while she was in Auschwitz. During this remembrance day, I pause in my very busy life and try to imagine her pain and suffering,” said Joseph Kohane, executive director of the Hillel Foundation. “I do this so I can be closer to her and because, as a Jew, I am obliged to understand the suffering of others through remembering the suffering of my own people.”
Although reading about the Holocaust, seeing images and hearing the stories can be informational, actually visiting the camps can be a strong motivation to educate others.
“I visited the camps in 1999, and it was very emotional. You can see movies and pictures, but being there makes it real,” said Vicki Berkowitz, a junior in human development and family sciences.
The 24-Hour Reading of the Names is only one of many events in the First Annual OSU Hillel Conference on the Holocaust.
