Menu

WHAT WE CARRY

The watchword of Holocaust lessons is, “Never Forget.” But once there are no longer survivors to recount their personal stories, what then?

blank

Two Emmy-winning television producers from Los Angeles, Amber Howell and Janice Engel, and New York-based photojournalist Josh Rothstein came to Hampton Roads in March of 2010 to extensively interview and film survivors David Katz, Dana Cohen, Hanns Loewenbach, and Kitty Saks. Using new and archival footage, as well as photos of all of the artifacts and memorabilia the four still had from their Holocaust experiences, they created four short films, one based on each survivor’s experiences and reflections.

 
Sadly, because David Katz and Hanns Loewenbach both passed away in January 2012, What We Carry could not have come at a better time. Until they literally no longer could, they repeatedly shared with others the often terrible realities of their experiences during the Holocaust, to teach the message that Hanns stated so brilliantly: “Evil does not need your help; just your indifference.” 
 
In 2014, the filmmakers returned to film survivor, Alfred Dreyfus, liberator, Bill Jucksch, and rescuer, Dame Mary Barraco, and we added their stories to our What We Carry library. Trained volunteer docents present the films to schools, community groups, and military audiences, in combination with a vintage suitcase filled with replicas of their treasures, created by graphic designer and artist Perry Deglandon. Docents travel up to an hour’s drive to share these presentations. We will work with you to meet safety protocols of your organization, or can provide a docent for a live Zoom presentation as well. To schedule one for your school or organization, email info@holocaustcommission.org.  

A traveling version of the program is also available to educators outside the local area. Please contact the Holocaust Commission at info@holocaustcommission.org to schedule a presentation today!

View Full Episodes

Dana Cohen
David Katz
Kitty Saks
Dame Mary Barraco
Hanns Loewenbach
Bill Jucksch

Bill Jucksch's film is not intended for anyone under high school age.

Alfred Dreyfus

Films and associated lesson plans can also be found on EMediaVA.org

blank

The program has been presented at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, the Virginia Conference of Social Studies Educators, the National Social Studies Conference, and the International Conference at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Since the Holocaust Commission began presenting the program in the fall of 2011, over 41,000 people have experienced it. Your group can too!

 

blank

blank