What happened:
In a poignant tribute to International Holocaust Remembrance Day, iconic landmarks throughout New York City became canvasses for projecting images and narratives of Holocaust survivors. The visual homage took place on the evening of Saturday and was part of a broader initiative to document the testimonies of these witnesses through the “Live2Tell” project.
The backdrop:
The photography for this significant awareness campaign was the work of prominent Jewish photographer Gillian Laub, who captured the spirit and history of survivors during a November 1 event at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Over 200 individuals attended, broadening the engagement to underscore Israel’s plight against hostage situations, highlighting those abducted by Hamas into Gaza.
Why it matters:
The large-scale outdoor exhibition not only honored the historical memory of Holocaust survivors on a day dedicated globally to their recognition but also served a contemporary cause cast against the rising tide of modern antisemitism. These visual stories meld past horrors with present challenges, invoking reflection and dialogue on Jewish experiences and resiliency.
The initiative:
Digital content developed by actress Amy Schumer and storyteller Kira Pollack is breathing life into “Live2Tell,” aimed at preserving the survivor’s harrowing stories for generations to come. Utilizing photos, videos, and interviews, the project crafts an educational arsenal against the forgetting of atrocities endured by Jewish communities during the Holocaust.
Survivor voices:
Fuelled by urgency given the diminishing number of living survivors, which reportedly stands at about 245,000 globally, the campaign acts as an urgent call to engage with and propagate their stories. It’s an endeavor shared by 96-year-old survivor Maritza Shelley, who impresses upon younger witnesses the responsibility of remembering and retelling history.
Looking forward:
Gillian Laub looks to expand this archival mission to Israel later in the year, seeking to record testimonies where nearly half of the existing survivors resides. In doing so, this project scales up to a transnational collaboration safeguarding Jewish heritage both in tribulation and triumph.
Project challenges:
The New York Times details the deliberate strategy to sidestep possible vandalism – a reminder of persisting cultural sensitivities – and includes not requesting permits for projections. Yet this maneuvering only signifies the ambition and determination underpinning ‘Live2Tell’ – catalyzing preservation through defiance against erasure.
This story was first published on jpost.com.