I had one of the most real, connective, and intimate moments here tonight in Jerusalem & in my heart on one of the most unexpected nights. The room was packed with love, sadness, oneness, joy, pride, closeness, peace & lots of other reflective emotions. All ingredients which are our lives.
survivor Ceclia speaking to a packed room tonight in Jerusalem
It is Yom HaShoa (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and tonight, survivors are telling their stories in living room homes across Israel. This wonderful 86 year old woman Celia Gorelan told her story. She was just 12 years old in Norway, and had to flea in the dead of winter to Sweden where it was neutral there from the Nazis, and seemed to be to ‘lucky’ to escape again and again. Her family was very social and knew Jews and non-Jews and they would give them a heads up on when to run, or where to hide. They lived off picking mushrooms from the forest, selling them and finding a Norwegian neighborhood in Sweden.
I lit it honor or 6 millions souls. My Oma’s candle holders
When the war was over they returned back to Norway to have had a Nazi family living in their apartment. All was totally turned upside down & looted in their home, but the only thing left was her Grandmother’s Shabbat candles high on a shelf. (I have my Oma’s Shabbat candles with me too, I light them every Shabbat & I lit 6 tonight in memory of the 6 million.)
The living room was packed in this beautiful home in Nachlaot Jerusalem and we were all listening with our hearts. We sang a Jewish nigun (a song without words) after she shared her story. A nigun is higher than words. You can feel everyone’s essence and emotion in the room while singing, especially singing for a higher purpose. (short video of us all singing tonight) I was singing with my family in mind who escaped from Hitler, for all the survivors and all who didn’t. I was thinking of My beloved Oma (grandma) her brother (my Uncle Kurti) and her mom Rivkah (my middle name, I was named after) and Aaron (one of my heroes.)
My family in Vienna 1929 – Great Grandma Rivka, my Oma, Great Uncle Kurti & Great Grandpa Aaron
The Jewish people are said to be like one, and I know exactly what that means from this night. I felt no divide in the room, we were family listening to our history and with hopes that this will never happen again to any of us in that room. Am Yisrael (the Jewish people) is one big soul, one family, we are here for each other spiritually and emotionally. Let’s hope we can connect to each other without shared tragedy but through open hearts, happiness & just being ourselves. It’s moments like tonight your soul is filled. It’s filled with the worst of the worst and the best of the best; it’s filled with life.
Girl Singing at a Holocaust Displaced Persons Camp 1946
California to Jerusalem 