International Holocaust Remembrance Day

 International Holocaust Remembrance Day with Holocaust survivor and speaker Gitta Ryle

Thursday, January 25, 6:30 -8pm  &  Saturday, January 27, 2 – 3pm 

Santa Cruz Public Libraries and Temple Beth El invite the public to be part of an important and timely conversation in preparation for the observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day with Holocaust survivor and speaker Gitta Ryle in our Capitola Branch.

Gitta Ryle has been presenting for years about her story and journey to forgiveness and mental well-being at schools, houses of worship, juvenile centers, and other organizations around the country, turning trauma into teaching. This event with Gitta Ryle is an invaluable opportunity to hear first-hand her remarkable story of survival and forgiveness.

Every January  the UN urges every member state to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism and to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides.

Thursday, January 25, 6:30 – pm : The Remembrance will take place at the Capitola Branch Library Ow Family Community Room. Registration for this event is required.

To register visit https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/11719758.

Saturday, January 27, 2-3pm: As we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, young readers and their families are invited to this special reading and discussion of the book The Double Crossing with author Sylvia Patience. Light refreshments will be provided. The book will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

About The Double Crossing

In 1939, shortly before World War II breaks out in Europe, thirteen-year-olds David and Hannah attempt to escape Nazi Germany, along with over nine hundred other Jewish refugees, on the historic voyage of the St. Louis. Together, they discover a Nazi spy plot, and dare to interfere, nearly at the cost of Hannah’s life. When the ship is forced to return to Europe, the passengers are divided between four countries. Despite their wishes, David and Hannah are sent to different destinations … perhaps separated forever.

Learning about these refugees of nearly a century ago will give young readers insight into today’s refugee crisis. It will help them understand why sometimes people must leave their countries, and what can happen to them when forced to return to regions they are trying to escape. https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/11842112