Jewish Va Holocaust Commission

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 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. To schedule one for your school or organization, email info@holocaustcommission.org.