By COLlive reporter
A historic evening with Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss, Anne Frank‘s stepsister, took place in Bakersfield, California.
Over 1,500 people packed the Fox Theater in Downtown Bakersfield for the event titled, “Hiding, Betrayal, Survival.”
Welcome remarks were given by Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger, Director of Chabad of Bakersfield, CA.
Sanjna Mizar, an 8th grade student at the local Warren Junior High School, and winner of the Legacy of Anne Frank essay contest, read her essay.
Mizar said that reading Anne Frank’s diary had touched her deeply and encouraged her to find the positive in everything.
A heartfelt musical tribute followed, with an emotional Ani Maamin sung by Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger and Noah Cohen, and performed by jazz musician Leo Chelypov.
Mayor of Bakersfield Karen Goh made a presentation proclaiming Tuesday, March 12 as Holocaust Education Day in Bakersfield, CA.
A riveting interview-style event followed, moderated by Richard Breen, Kern 1180 Radio Host.
Schloss, who will turn 90 years old in May, spoke movingly about her life before the war, described what it was like going into hiding with her family, how she survived and her life post-war.
Her appearance in Bakersfield was part of a six-week tour, with 20 different visits around the country.
Besides speaking about the rise in anti-Semitism across the country in recent years, she also spoke about her experiences as a Jewish girl trying to survive during the Holocaust.
“We hope Eva’s words have made an impact and her message of tolerance and ‘never again’ will resonate in our community and motivate us to increase in goodness and kindness and have tolerance and love for all,” said Rabbi Schlanger.
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Shmuli you are incredibly ibergegenbn to the Rebbe .the Rebbe loves you and your family. You should merit to chassidishe nachas from all of your children.
FS
A Shliach that has literally transformed a desert into a spiritual paradise מהם יראו וכן יעשו.
If there is one thing I’ve learned from Reb Shmuli is that no matter what we have to remain truthful and focused on the main objective which is להביא את הגאולה תיכף ומיד.
From a fellow Shliach.
Menachem G
What s voice!!!
Would love to hear the talk also
BS”D May she live to 120 in Good Health b’Gashmius v’ Ruchnius
Shmuli and Esther Malka – one of the most amazing shluchim!!! May you continue to see amazing growth and success in everything you do with the Rebbes brochos, until the coming of moshiach soon!!!
Bakersfield are lucky to have you there.
A fan
Inspirational! Brought real vareme Yiddishkeit to Bakersfield.
Continued Hatzlocha!