Kol Israel 2022 Holocaust Memorial Zion Memorial Park
Bedford Heights October 2, 2022
Kol Israel Foundation is an organization of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, their families, and supporters. Each year they hold an annual Memorial Service "in memory of the six million innocent Jewish men, women and children who perished by the hands of the Nazis. Though their bodies have perished, their souls and their spirit will forever remain immortal."
The annual Memorial Service was held at Zion Memorial Park in Bedford Heights on Sunday October 2, 2022. It was co-sponsored by Kol Israel Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. In 1961, Kol Israel built one of the first monuments in the United States dedicated to the 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Ashes of the victims from concentration camps are buried beneath it and the names of deceased family members are engraved on its surrounding wall.
A large crowd attended the event.
The ceremony began with Memorial Co-Chair Avi Goldman introducing the Jewish War Veterans who carried the flags.
Avi Goldman
Jewish War Veterans
Kol Israel Flag
Then Michael Hennenberg, son of a Holocaust survivor, read a Memorial Prayer.
Michael Hennenberg
Then, MC Avi Goldman introduced Charles Gruenspan, a son of a Holocaust survivor, who sang Ani Maamin prayer.
Charles Gruenspan
Watch a video of the beginning of the ceremony.
The Co-Chair Mark Frank led the candle lighting ceremony to honor the six million martyrs of the Holocaust. Family representatives were Al Hersh, Harry Greenwald and Louise Gips, Miriam Steinfeld and Tova Baron, Nina Frankel, John Newburger and Roni Berenson.
Mark Frank
Candlelighter Al Hersh and family
Candlelighters Harry Greenwald and Louise Gips
Candlelighters Miriam Steinfeld and Tova Baron
Candlelighter Nina Frankel family
Candlelighter John Newburger
Candlelighter Roni Berenson and family
The Seventh Candle was lit by members of the Shul Boys Jewish Motorcycle Club.
Candlelighters Shul Boys
Watch the video of the Candle Lighting ceremony to hear the stories of the survivors.
Robert Zelwin of the Kol Israel Foundation, spoke next.
Robert Zelwin
Then Memorial Co-Chair Avi Goldman introduced Erica Starrfield of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
Erica Starrfield
Muriel Weber then introduced Michael Caputo who honored his father Charles Caputo.
Muriel Weber
Michael Caputo
Then Rabbi Matt Eisenberg gave his address.
Rabbi Matt Eisenberg
Next Charles Gruenspan led the Tehillim and Kol Mole Rachamim.
Then, Rabbi Eisenberg led the Mourner's Kaddish.
Then the color guard marched out to conclude the event.
A group photo of the survivors present was taken.
Watch the video of the 2nd part of the event from the Federation speaker to the conclusion.
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