Each year, Evanston Township High School observes weeklong events for Holocaust Remembrance Week that are planned by CJDS Parent and ETHS History Teacher, Aaron Becker. Last week, there were activities held during every block of each day, including student-faculty panels, films, lectures from Northwestern and University of Chicago professors, personal histories from children of survivors, debates about the acceptability of Holocaust analogies, lessons about art and music during the Holocaust, and more.

Aaron explained that every year the students select a theme; this year's was What Was Lost: Jewish Life Before the Holocaust. The student committee is responsible for much of the planning and execution of the events during the week. It comes as no surprise that CJDS alumni and former students are always among the organizers and participants and this year was no different. Alum Orli Schwartz ('21) held a leadership role last week in addition to former student Gadi Stieber. Alum Teddy Gutstein ('24) also stepped up by organizing a slideshow about this year's Holocaust Remembrance Week theme that student leaders bought into classrooms to present.

ETHS states on its Facebook page that, "By exploring what was lost, we deepen our understanding of the Holocaust’s enduring impact—honoring the lives, voices, and traditions that were impacted. This annual week of remembrance serves as a call to bear witness, to educate, and to ensure that history is never forgotten."

Kol hakavod to the high school and to the members of the CJDS community for planning and leading these important events. Their hard work educates a large student population about a subject matter we must never forget.

Photo credit: Evanston Township High School