Yad Vashem: Behind the Camera on Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day,

is international, but more intense in Jerusalem, Israel,

from a simple memorial candle display in a hotel lobby,

to the national commemoration at Yad Vashem.

Since the program is televised at 8:00 pm,

it starts on time,

  people start arriving hours early to the plaza.

The honor guard poses for photographs before.

One of the six survivors honored to light a memorial flame,

Joseph Labi and son Maurice were kind enough to pose,

more on his story next week when there is time.

This was one of my favorite photos.

The sky at sunset was a scene stealer this year.

When the Prime Minister enters all stand, block the view,

and either try for a handshake or cellphone photo,

and it is a large crowd of hundreds.

Rabbi Meir Lau, a child survivor, lit the large memorial flame

after the Israeli flag was lowered to half mast.

After President Reuven Rvilin spoke,

PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for 15 minutes,

using his hands to emphasize a point.

Six flames, six survivors,

one for each million murdered by the Nazis,

in the Shoah, Holocaust, each with an incredible story.

During the videos retelling their stories,

you could hear a pin drop,

no one coughed, no one moved,

except to wipe away tears.

After the program ended,

I held my camera high to see who was in the crowd.

But in the sea of invited guests,

with Israeli political and military leaders,

a large German government representation,

it was hard to find anyone.

However, US Ambassador Dan Shapiro lingered

to talk with this family.

Many selfies were taken that night,

but this last one of the night is a favorite.

For too many families remembering is not a once a year event,

but a lifetime spent reliving horrors.

However, from the depths and sadness,

the signs are up for

Yom Haatzmaut,

Independence Day giant celebrations

are being planned for next week,

in Jerusalem, Israel.

But first,

Shabbat shalom.

שבת שלום