HMH Bearing Witness - December 2017

FALL 2017, NO. 2

Building Our Future

HMH breaks ground on expanded museum | pg. 4 Gratitude Report | pg. 25

This is an exciting time to be Board Chair of Holocaust Museum Houston as we literally break ground on our future. I have been involved with the museum for many years and witnessed its genesis from a dream of the local survivors including my own mother Lea Krell Weems, of blessed memory, and my Aunt Ruth Steinfeld. So I feel particularly proud to see our beloved museum expanding in preparation for Building Our Future

Chief Executive Officer Kelly J. Zúñiga, Ed.D. Editors Robin Cavanaugh Clare Legg Holocaust Museum Houston Morgan Family Center 9220 Kirby Dr., Suite 100 | Houston, TX 77054 Holocaust Museum Houston is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the Houston Museum District Association. HMH Bearing Witness is the official magazine of Holocaust Museum Houston. © 2017, All rights reserved. Board of Trustees FY17-18 Chair Gary Markowitz Chair-Elect Benjamin Warren Vice Chairs DEVELOPMENT Heidi Gerger (Co-chair) FACILITIES Butch Mach EDUCATION Kim Ruth OUTREACH Nancy S. Dinerstein SURVIVOR SERVICES Hyman Penn, M.D. Secretary Crystal Ashby Treasurer Daniel P. Gordon Immediate Past Chair Gail Klein Ex-Officio Kelly J. Zúñiga, Ed.D. Chief Executive Officer | Holocaust Museum Houston Jack Kins Chair | Holocaust Museum Houston Foundation Benjamin Warren (Co-chair) TEL: 713-942-8000 FAX: 713-942-7953 info@hmh.org

Gary Markowitz, Board Chair

teaching future generations about the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy. Holocaust Museum Houston is more than just a building. WE are the museum and together we have the responsibility of serving as the custodian of survivor memory and culture. The work we do bridges the gap between remembering the lives lost in the Holocaust and conveying the relevance and history of the Holocaust to youth and adults in our diverse and growing community. The dramatic expansion of the museum allows us to introduce more in-depth exhibits, expand outreach and educational programs that tie the events of the Holocaust to modern life and the ethical and moral challenges we face on a daily basis. New technology and bilingual signage will appeal to new and different audiences as we continue to enhance our international reputation and presence. The new facility will be a unique space for intellectual and practical inquiry. Our charge is to combat ignorance with education and replace disbelief and denial with proof. It is fitting and appropriate to devote our energy to ensuring that Holocaust Museum Houston continues to thrive and grow, as the audience for our important message expands. It is our shared responsibility to remember our past in order to build our future. This new Lester and Sue Smith Campus does indeed build our future. Our new LEED certified 57,000-square-foot facility will feature The Morgan Family Welcome Center leading into the expanded core exhibit Holocaust gallery, “Bearing Witness.” Our new Human Rights Gallery, and the Rhona and Bruce Caress Anne Frank and Young Writers’ Voices Gallery will engage and inspire visitors of all ages. A new second floor will house the expanded 200-seat Albert and Ethel Herzstein Auditorium hosting performances, lectures and films, the Samuel Bak Gallery and Learning Center in Loving Memory of Hope Silber Kaplan, and the Boniuk Center for the Future of Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Studies and the Education Center. The second floor will also serve as the home to the Jerold B. Katz Family Butterfly Loft and the HMH Butterfly Project, representing a portion of the collection of more than 1.5 million handmade butterflies sent to the museum from children and adults all over the world. I look forward to the day we re-open and the future becomes the present for all to enjoy. Until then, I invite you all to visit us at the temporary museum location at 9220 Kirby Drive (one mile south of NRG Stadium), featuring “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” “New Dimensions in Testimony” and “Human Rights Art.” We’ll be back at our expanded campus as soon as possible, introducing future generations of Houstonians to a new Holocaust Museum Houston. Warm regards,

Holocaust Museum Houston revealed plans this past June for a dramatic $33.8 million expansion of its building at 5401 Caroline St. that will more than double its size to a total of 57,000 square feet. The new building will be named Holocaust Museum Houston, Lester and Sue Smith Campus. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2017 and be completed in the spring of 2019. ON THE COVER

IN EVERY ISSUE 15 Upcoming 16

Affinity Groups

Back Cover

Membership

HMH CEO Speaks at Child Survivor Meeting Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga was the guest speaker at a recent luncheon held by child survivors of the Holocaust. Dr. Zúñiga shared detailed plans for the expanded museum and updated attendees on the status of the Capital Campaign. The luncheon group meets one Sunday each month to hear speakers on various topics of interest.

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Meet the Education Team Learn about 2017-2018 HMH Education plans 10

HMH Groundbreaking Ceremony 300 guests celebrate

Celebration of Hope & Closing Ceremony More than 2,000 attend HMH closing weekend activities

LBJ 2017 Moral Courage Award Dinner $1.25 million raised at annual dinner

as HMH breaks ground on $33.8 million expansion

Trustees Tali Blumrosen

Michael Morgan Mark Mucasey Corey Powell Jerry Rochman Tracey Shappro Limor Smith David Solomon Jennifer B. Stockel Alberta Totz Chaja Verveer Inna Wizig

2017

Steve Estrin Cheryl Golub Guillermo Guefen Shelly Hendry Laura Jaramillo Carl Josehart Mady Kades Evan H. Katz Nancy Li-Tarim Jerry Martin

Photo Here

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Gary Markowitz Board Chair

Gratitude Report 25

Feedback Comments and suggestions are welcome and should be submitted to HMH Bearing Witness to news@hmh.org.

(l to r) Bernard Zalcman, Lucy Borosh, Ytzak (Jackie) Borosh (standing), Nadira Lorin, Chaja Verveer, Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, Louisa Kopinski, Pauline Rubin, Issa Seelig, Jim Getola, Ben Waserman, Martin Lorin (standing)

Press Requests news@hmh.org

FALL 2017 | 3

EXPANS ION

its funding goal for the facility groundbreaking. The museum has raised $36.5 million to date, 74 percent of its $49.4 million capital and endowment campaign goal. The campaign has received 110 gifts in total, including major gifts from Laurie and Dr. Milton Boniuk, Rhona and Bruce Caress, The Stanford and Joan Alexander Foundation, The Herzstein Foundation and The Jerold B. Katz Foundation. “We deeply appreciate that HMH is a place of learning from the past while looking to the future,” said Sue Smith. “We share the museum’s mission to leave a mark of remembrance, in the hope of peace, tolerance and understanding to all who enter its doors.” The expanded museum will be the most technologically advanced than it has ever been before, with interactive exhibits like the Rhona and Bruce Caress Anne Frank and Young Writers’ Voices, where students will be able to access and

utilize electronic diaries, and the Human Rights Gallery, where visitors are challenged to engage with one another to understand the choices that a single person can make to turn the tide and combat hatred. “HMH has the responsibility of educating people about the Holocaust and honoring the survivors,” said Gary Markowitz, chairman of the museum. “With this expansion, our work to bridge the gap between remembering the lives lost in the Holocaust and conveying the relevance and history of the Holocaust to youth and adults in our diverse community will endure for generations to come.” Construction required HMH to temporarily relocate most of its permanent exhibit, classrooms and administrative offices to 9220 Kirby Drive, Suite 100. The museum’s temporary location officially opened Friday, October 20, giving visitors a place to come, think, remember and care while the museum is under construction.

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Holocaust Museum Houston Breaks Ground on $33.8 Million Expansion

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nder sunny skies and cool temperatures, Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, October 18 with dignitaries, supporters

This past June, HMH revealed designs for a dramatic $49.4 million expansion and endowment campaign to add approximately 35,000 square feet of additional space, more than doubling the building’s current size, to a total of 57,000 square feet, to make HMH the fourth-largest Holocaust museum in the country. Two-thirds of the current building will be razed to make way for a three- story structure. The LEED certified expansion, designed by Mucasey & Associates, will house new interactive exhibits, designed by Ralph Applebaum & Associates, classrooms, auditorium, library and administrative offices. Program Manager is Mark Christensen of Christensen Building Group, LLC, the general contractor is McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and PGAL is the architect of record. Construction is scheduled to begin in November and be completed in spring 2019. "Because the museum is a leader in educating our youth, the expansion will give us the opportunity to serve substantially more students each year," said Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga. "We believe the expanded exhibits, complete with bilingual English/Spanish signage, will increase student field trip attendance by 50 percent in the first year alone, and are projecting that our overall attendance will grow by nearly 35 percent.” After a surprise $1 million donation to HMH’s capital campaign at the May 2017 Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award Dinner, Lester and Sue Smith donated an additional $14 million matching grant to the museum's $49.4 capital campaign, which includes an $11.7 million endowment, ensuring that the museum would meet

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and Holocaust survivors as part of the $49.4 million expansion and endowment of its Houston Museum District campus located at 5401 Caroline St. Emceed by the museum’s CEO Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, guest speakers included Congressman Al Green, 9th District of Texas, founding Board Chair Martin Fein and current Board Chair Gary Markowitz, Holocaust Survivor Ruth Steinfeld and principal donors Lester and Sue Smith, who contributed a $15 million matching grant to the campaign, the largest donation in the museum’s history. The new building will be named Holocaust Museum Houston, Lester and Sue Smith Campus. “As long-time supporters of HMH, we believe strongly in the institution’s mission to educate visitors about the dangers of apathy, prejudice and inaction,” said Lester Smith. “We are very proud to have our family’s name

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This page: 1: Ralph Applebaum, Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, Gary Markowitz, Donna Valone, Martin Fein 2: Shelly and Brian Hendry 3: Limor Smith, Leisa Holland- Nelson 4: Marvin and Joan Kaplan 5: Edith Mincberg, Jennifer Stockel, Nancy Brand 6: Benjamin Warren, Rosine Chappell, groundbreaking guests 7: Lester Smith at podium 8: Shirley and Bill Morgan 9: Lester and Sue Smith 10: Hon. Fred Zeidman, Mark Mucasey, Congressman Al Green, Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, Judy Mucasey

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forever associated with the Museum and look forward to the opening of the Lester and Sue Smith Campus and all the lives that will be impacted by the experience.”

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Opposite page: 1: Limor Smith, Brian and Shelly Hendry, Michael Hajtman, Evan H. Katz, Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, Shirley and Bill Morgan, Lester and Sue Smith, Gary Markowitz, Heidi Gerger, Benjamin Warren, Laurie Boniuk, Dr. Kelli Cohen and Martin Fein 2: Kyle Rhodes, Jarad Hale, Andrew Rupp, Adam Laura, John Engle 3: Survivors recognized during groundbreaking ceremony 4: Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga and Chaja Verveer

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NEWS

NEWS

Lights of Hope for the Future

Messages of hope on an interactive mural

Bill Orlin gives his testimony

Children color in a chalk butterfly

Celebration of Hope and Closing Ceremony

Mallory Mincberg, Edith Mincberg

Benjamin Warren, Heidi Gerger

Martin Fein, Gary Markowitz

Mezuzah and began the ceremonial passing of the light from generation to generation to close out a chapter of HMH’s history. Two weeks later, HMH staff arrived at the museum’s temporary location and began unpacking. The museum reopened to the public at 9220 Kirby Drive on Friday, October 20, with two new changing exhibits. Left to Right: 1. Chalk art by Via Colori Team RussKell 2. Local musician Madeline Edwards performs live 3. Visitors tour the Museum 4. Holocaust survivor Rosine Chappell leads a tour

Ahead of HMH’s closure and temporary move to 9220 Kirby Drive, the museum welcomed the last patrons of its current footprint. All of Houston was invited to visit the building and its exhibits one last time, free of charge. The closing weekend was bittersweet. While it celebrated the museum’s upcoming major expansion and the opportunity to teach the next generation about the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy, it was also the end of an era. HMH’s Celebration of Hope brought 1,200 visitors to the museum,

The family-friendly affair featured testimonies from Holocaust survivors Dr. Anna Steinberger and Bill Orlin, live music, poetry readings from students and former Houston Poet Laureate Dr. Robin Davidson, food trucks, live demonstrations by Via Colori chalk artists and murals by student artists with messages of hope. HMH community partners Asia Society Texas, American Civil Liberties Union, Barnes and Noble, Center for Healing of Racism and the Japanese American Citizen League provided interactive activities for all ages. The following evening, HMH welcomed Holocaust survivors, museum founders and loyal supporters to the Lights of Hope for the Future closing ceremony. Founding Board Chair Martin Fein spoke about the importance of remembering our past, followed by current Board Chair Gary Markowitz’s remarks on building our future. Members of the Guild presented the

The Guild begins the ceremonial passing of the light

Jim Getola, Chaja Verveer

many of whom had never been before.

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Wendy Cohen, Bill and Shirley Morgan

Pauline Solnik, Dr. Anna Steinberger

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EVENT

2018 Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award Dinner

2017 Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award Dinner

22 nd Moral Courage Award Dinner Raises $1.25 Million for Holocaust Museum Houston Educational Programs Lester and Sue Smith surprise Museum with $1 million capital campaign gift

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With 1,100 people on hand, Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) celebrated its 22nd Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award Dinner Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at the Marriott Marquis Houston. The annual dinner, one of Houston’s largest philanthropic events, raised more than $1.25 million to support the worldwide educational programs of the museum. Just as the program was coming to a close, Lester and Sue Smith surprised guests with a $1 million donation to the museum’s “Remembering Our Past. Building Our Future.” capital campaign. What’s more, the Smiths announced they and Lester’s children, daughter Shelly and her husband Brian Hendry, and son Stuart and his wife Limor Smith, would chair next year’s dinner, which drew extended applause from the audience. The evening honored Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, and Avner Shalev, Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate since 1993. Yad Vashem is the ultimate source for Holocaust education, remembrance, documentation and research. From the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem’s integrated approach incorporates meaningful educational initiatives, groundbreaking research and inspirational exhibits.

The keynote address was provided by Joe Lieberman, who retired from the United States Senate in 2013 after a 20-year career of service. Lieberman spoke of the importance of HMH’s work and the community’s role to never forget. “As I look around this crowd tonight,” he said, “I am confident that we will not just survive, but we will flourish.” Chairing this year’s event were long-time museum supporters Ira Mitzner and Fred Zeidman, along with their families. Serving as honorary chairs were Pastor John and Diana Hagee, Barbara and Gerald Hines, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, and The Honorable Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston. Host committee chairs included Marcia and David Solomon, Joy and Benjamin Warren, and Shira and Daniel Yoshor. Previous recipients have included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel; activist and actress Mia Farrow; U.S. Sen. John McCain; the late Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was murdered by terrorists in Pakistan; former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell; former U.S. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, Jr.; former U.S. Sen. Robert Dole; filmmaker Steven Spielberg; and former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, among others.

George W. Bush 43 rd President of the United States

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Top to Bottom: 1. Sue and Lester Smith 2: Dinner Co-chairs Steven and Stephanie Mitzner, Laura Mitzner Paletz and Steven Paletz 3: Dinner Co-chair Ira Mitzner, HMH CEO Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, HMH Board Chair Gary Markowitz, Dinner Co-chair Fred Zeidman 4: Yad Vashem's Shaya Ben Yehuda, Dinner Host Committee Chairs Joy and Benjamin Warren 5: Senator Joe Lieberman and Mayor Sylvester Turner

Thursday, May 24, 2018 Hilton Americas - Houston Dinner Chairs Lester & Sue Smith

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Shelly & Brian Hendry Limor & Stuart Smith

Host Committee Chairs Mady & Ken Kades

Tables from $6,000 and Tickets from $750 For more information: lbjdinner@hmh.org

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Self-portrait, President George W. Bush

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EDUCAT ION

EDUCAT ION

HMH's work with partners continues to be very important to our community outreach. Holocaust Museum Houston and the Education Department will present two of our landmark programs to educators attending the 2017 HAP Conference with the important theme of Better Together: Building Community Through the Arts in 2018. We are excited to continue our relationship with Houston Arts Partners, where our outreach last year was important in introducing the Educator in Motion program. This year, Dr. Mary Lee Webeck will serve on the Conferences Programming Committee. Working with Community Partners – 2017–2018 Houston Arts Partners Conference

L to R: Holocaust Studies teacher Jerrilyn Miller, of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, Dr. Anna Steinberger and her daughter Pauline Solnik

The HMH Education Department had an extraordinary year working with the Engines of Change Student Ambassadors group. In April 2017, the Ambassadors joined the Houston community at the Yom HaShoah commemoration where one of their number, Derrick Wall, was honored with the annual Yom HaShoah scholarship, presented to a student who has exemplified behaviors to stop the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy in his or her school or community. In October, we entered the program’s second year with a group of new and returning students from across Houston selected to be Ambassadors for the 2017-2018 school year. During the Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) Max M. Kaplan Summer Institute held July 11-14, 2017, Holocaust Studies teacher Jerrilyn Miller, of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, received the inaugural Drs. Emil and Anna Steinberger Award in honor of Dr. Anna Steinberger and in memory of Dr. Emil Steinberger. This award is given to a professional educator that has participated in numerous HMH trainings and fellowships, and has a track record for engaging students in Holocaust studies both on their campus and at Holocaust Museum Houston. The recipient must display passion for imparting the lessons of the Holocaust and model the philosophy that one person’s life can indeed make a difference in the lives of others. Drs. Emil and Anna Steinberger Award Engines of Change Student Ambassador Program Update

We Welcome Our Newest Member to the Education Team Wendy Warren joins us as Senior Associate Director of Education at Holocaust Museum Houston. She earned her M.Ed. from the University of Houston and has been an educator for twenty years. Prior to joining the museum, she taught a variety of social studies courses and held leadership positions at the campus and school district level. Additionally, she developed and implemented the first Holocaust and Genocide Studies course in Alief ISD. Wendy has worked with educators in other Alief schools and other districts as they have followed her model and implemented a course based on Wendy’s design. Wendy and her students also created an Upstanders Club at Hastings High School to promote social justice and community involvement. This year, Wendy will be teaching a course for 11th graders at Kehillah High. She is passionate about working with teens to support their development of empathy, inclusiveness, and active citizenship. Originally from New York, Wendy has made Houston her home. She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her husband, four children and two dogs.

L to R: Wendy Warren, Michelle Tovar, Laurie Garcia and Dr. Mary Lee Webeck

ecently the Education Team at Holocaust Museum Houston gave our attention to describing what we do and why. R Meet the Education Team

These are exciting times. This Fall, the Latino Initiatives Advisory Committee kicks off its second year with goals focused on community outreach and education. Through collaborations with local leadership and activists, the committee hopes to provide a lens into Latina/o issues affecting Houston and in a global context through a Civil Liberties Panel in spring 2018. In correlation with the Human Rights Art Exhibition, we are also looking forward to hosting a lecture series that will concentrate on generational trauma. Middle and High School students from East End Houston will benefit from an upcoming education project that will provide an inclusive space for literacy interactions, learning about financial literacy, social justice activism and the arts. Students will have an opportunity to share their own stories and also learn the importance of using their voice as upstanders in the community. Spanish Outreach and Latin American Initiatives

The Education Team We create resources fostered in historical and cultural accuracy We shake things up, and activate people around ideas that matter

We advocate for social justice, inclusiveness, individual and societal responsibility We teach facts and ideas. We ask questions that may not have one answer. We curate civil discourse, caring, hope and empathy We hope for and work toward a peaceful and just future We reverently remember those who suffered and in their memory, we shine light from darkness . . .

Education Team Members

Laurie Garcia – Education Outreach Coordinator I am a Dismantler of Apathy and an Activator of Global Citizens

Michelle Tovar – Associate Director of Education, Spanish Outreach and Latin American Initiatives I am a Chicana and Chingona advocate for students of color. I use privilege to speak up, not for, unheard voices in the community. Beneath a collective of James Baldwin, Dolores Huerta, and Howard Zinn lie the indigenous roots of my heart, which beats for social justice. Wendy Warren – Senior Associate Director of Education I am an instructional innovator - committed to inclusiveness, and dedicated to doing small great things. Dr. Mary Lee Webeck – Director of Education I am a lover of language, ideas and art who studies history to find within it ways to engage learners. I discover ways to help dreams come to life. I believe in citizenship and socially conscious, respectful activism. I am an impassioned educator of people of many ages and differences.

Michelle Tovar continues to work with institutions in Latin America in efforts to establish partnerships for the 2020 Latin American Conference. The bilingual Spanish/English conference is in the planning stages with programming on Holocaust Education, Genocide, human rights issues (in Guatemala, in Pinochet’s Chile, and the atrocities in Argentina). Educators from Latin America and around the United States will explore a narrative that is uncommon, while making connections to contemporary issues.

HMH Education staff with Derrick Wall, Yom HaShoah Scholarship winner 2017. Laurie Garcia, Michelle Tovar, Derrick Wall, Dr. Mary Lee Webeck and Emily Sample.

Michelle Tovar in Chile, Summer 2017

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EXHI B I TS

Join us for a private United Nations experience The Butterfly Project: Remembering Children of the Holocaust The United Nations Department of Public Information & Holocaust Museum Houston are pleased to invite you to the opening of the exhibition The Butterfly Project: Remembering Children of the Holocaust

Itinerary Sunday, January 21, 2018

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Welcome reception at Millennium Hilton Hotel New York One UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017

Monday, January 22, 2018 Free Day 9:45 a.m. (Hard start)

Limited to 40 participants. Private docent led tour and lunch at Neue Gallerie New York Museum For German and Austrian Art

11:30 a.m.

Lunch at Museum Café

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 5:00 p.m.

Private tour of UN

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Butterfly Project: Remembering Children

of the Holocaust opening reception

United Nations Headquarters in New York in the Visitor’s Lobby of the General Assembly Building Tuesday, January 23, 2018 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Opening Reception 8:30 p.m. Dinner Delegates Dining Room

8:30 p.m.

Dinner at Delegates Dining Room

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 Independent check-out and departures

Tell us how you #StandWithHope at butterflies.hmh.org

Exhibition Title Sponsors* The Blavatnik Family Foundation Jerold B. Katz Family Foundation United Airlines Warner Music Group

Please contact Connie Boyd at 713-527-1612 or cboyd@hmh.org R.S.V.P. is required for host hotel and ticket information.

*Sponsors as of December 1, 2018

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CURATORIAL DEPARTMENT

UPCOMING

Spector/Warren Fellowship for Future Teachers Public Lecture with Professor Peter Hayes: “Why?: Explaining the Holocaust” January 10, 2018 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Location: HMH, 9220 Kirby Dr., Suite 100 Peter Hayes, who is the content expert working with Holocaust Museum Houston on our expanding Museum’s Permanent Exhibition, earned his Ph.D. at Yale. He specializes in the history of Germany in the 20th century, particularly the Nazi period. He

Holocaust Museum Houston Opens Exhibits in Temporary Space During Major Expansion

New Dimensions in Testimony “New Dimensions in Testimony,” an initiative by USC Shoah Foundation, also opened October 20 and runs through spring 2018. This interactive audio- visual installation records and displays testimony in a way that will preserve the dialogue between Holocaust survivors and learners far into the future. Guests will experience “virtual conversations” by “talking” with Holocaust survivors. This pioneering project integrates advanced filming techniques, specialized display technologies and next-generation natural language processing to provide an intimate experience. To date, 15 survivors’ testimonies were captured by more than 50 cameras as each was asked 1,600 questions addressing topics ranging from pre-war life through the Holocaust and beyond. “New Dimensions in Testimony” revolutionizes the concept of oral history. Each specially recorded interview enables viewers to ask questions of the survivor about their life experiences and hear responses in real-time, lifelike conversation. Questions are answered naturally, as if the survivor is in the room, and through Artificial Intelligence, the more questions asked the better the technology becomes. Holocaust Museum Houston is one of only three locations in the United States hosting this extraordinary learning technology. The museum will feature the interactive testimony of Pinchas Gutter, the project’s first participant.

Human Rights Art The “Human Rights Art” exhibition, on view October 20, 2017 through June 3, 2018 in the Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery, cultivates human rights awareness, reflection and activism showcased in 32 mixed media artworks from the permanent collection of South Texas College. This educational exhibition addressing global and regional human rights, social justice and environmental issues features artists Sharon Sayegh, Keith Sharp, Guadalupe Victorica Reyes and Deborah South McEvoy. Through their artwork and personal statements, the artists strive to encourage reflection, and generate discussion that ultimately leads to change. HMH’s temporary space allows the museum to continue offering Holocaust and human rights education to students, groups and families during our expansion. The museum’s gifted team of curators have done an amazing job reconfiguring our core exhibit into this new space while adding fresh, interactive exhibitions that provide a framework for students to process the many issues impacting their own lives today – bullying, hatred, discrimination and immigration. As a result of its $49.4 million expansion campaign announcement, Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) moved to a temporary location at 9220 Kirby Drive that opened to the public October 20. Featured exhibits include “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” the museum’s permanent exhibit, and two changing exhibitions, “New Dimensions in Testimony” and “Human Rights Art.”

Dr. Peter Hayes

will explore the fundamental conceptual questions asked and responded to in his most recent book, Why?: Explaining the Holocaust. The author of 12 books, Hayes taught at Northwestern University for 36 years from 1980 to 2016. The recipient of numerous teaching awards and research fellowships and a former member of the academic boards of several professional societies and Holocaust memorial sites, Professor Hayes currently serves as the chair of the Academic Committee of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. RSVP at hmh.org. Photo Credit: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Breakfast Book Club

THE BONIUK LIBRARY

“Ten Dollars to Hate” by Patricia Bernstein Tuesday, February 6, 2018 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Location: HMH, 9220 Kirby Dr., Suite 100 Lecture by Patricia Bernstein, author of Ten Dollars to Hate , the story of the massive Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s and the first prosecutor in the nation to successfully convict and jail Klan members. Dan Moody, a twenty-nine-year-old Texas district attorney, demonstrated that Klansmen could be “My Beautiful Birds” by Suzanne Del Rizzo Thursday, January 11, 2018 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Location: Harry’s Restaurant and Café, 318 Tuam St. The Friends of The Boniuk Library invite you to join our Breakfast Book Club for a discussion of My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo, the story of Sami who, living in a refugee camp, can't forget

his pet pigeons and the home his family has left behind. This event is free, but participants must pay for their own breakfast. For more information contact Maria Harris, Librarian, at (713) 942-8000, x.110 or library@hmh.org.

Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers

Anchoring the museum is the permanent exhibition, “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” which carries visitors back to pre-war Europe, revealing the thriving Jewish life and culture there. Authentic film footage, artifacts, photographs and documents expose Nazi propaganda and the ever-tightening restrictions in the steady move toward the “Final Solution.” The exhibition concludes with two 30-minute films of testimony, “Voices” and “Voices II,” which alternate daily in the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Theater. These films offer moving, first-hand accounts of survivors, liberators and witnesses who made their homes in Houston after the war.

punished for taking the law into their own hands. The 1920s Klan infiltrated politics and law enforcement across the United States. Klansmen engaged in extreme violence against whites as well as blacks, promoted outrageous bigotry against various ethnic groups, and boycotted non-Klan businesses. A few courageous public officials tried to make Klansmen pay for their crimes and all failed until September 1923 when Dan Moody convicted and won significant prison time for five Klansmen in a tense courtroom in Georgetown, Texas.

Sharon Sayegh: “Ayaan Hirshi Ali: Brave Hearts from the Warriors for Peace Series”

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ART CIRCLE

THE GUILD & NEXTGEN

It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce the new 2017/2018 Season for Art Circle! Please join us in supporting this special art affinity group whose mission is to connect Holocaust Museum Houston members and the Houston community with artists and collectors engaged in social, political and/ or human rights issues. Through a membership in Art Circle, you may deepen your understanding of the purpose and function of art, as well as broaden your perspective on humanity. Art Circle takes in exhibition or collection-centric events partnered with art education, cocktails, nibbles and more…an excellent opportunity to stay connected with other art enthusiasts in the area all while supporting the creation of art exhibitions at the museum and growth in “upstanding” convictions and positive actions. • Invitation to the Grand Opening Night in August and Membership Kick-Off in September • Invitations to private Art Circle events featuring complimentary drinks, bites, and chances to meet with artists and designers • The perfect atmosphere to connect with other HMH members involved in Houston’s Art Scene ART CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

The Guild The Guild serves the mission of the Museum with commitment and to unite members of the Museum community at large, through social, educational and service projects. You join The Guild for just $25 or become a lifetime member for $500. The Guild’s annual Hanukkah Party was held once again at St. Francis Episcopal Day School. Many thanks to Dr. Susie Lair, Head of the School, for her gracious hospitality.

Jerry Rochman lighting the menorah

From Left to Right: Denzil Hollingsworth, David Fink, Elise Glattier-Hollingsworth, Dr. Neal Reisman, Liebe Reisman, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Dr. Susan Osterberg, Mady Kades, and Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga

Art Circle's Grand Opening at the Studio of David Fink

Rosine Chappell and Anny Coury

Sandy Lessig

Sandi Hedrick, Mike Cahn, ClaireMarshall, Glynda Oliver, Iris Fisherman, Margaret Palco

Anny Coury, Charles Guez

• Six (6) exclusive events only offered to Art Circle members

• Invitations to Pop-up Events

Join today to receive invitations to all Art Circle events!

To join the upcoming Art Circle 2017/18 Season, please visit our website hmh.org.

Mady Kades, Chair Art Circle 2017-18

Elise Glattier-Hollingsworth, Dr. Susan Osterberg

Holocaust Museum Houston’s NEXTGen Young Professionals group celebrated their annual Kickoff event on Monday, October 2nd at 6:00 p.m. at MidiCi, The Neapolitan Pizza Company. The event included an opportunity to meet Bill Orlin, a Holocaust Survivor, and to hear him speak. NEXTGen promotes inclusiveness and education by acting as leaders of change and advocating on behalf of tolerance. LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE David Berk, Jessica Hart, Miguel Hernandez, Ben Proler, Roslynn Velasquez, Carolyn Whiteman HOST COMMITTEE Amy Ashmore, Johanna Carlson, Ashley Croft, Rachel & Daniel Fein, Scott Friedman, Shannon Hall, Steven Hammer, Autumn Holcomb, Melissa Mendell, Melanie Toarmina Pang, Tracey & Rick Rice, Katie Satterwhite, William Springer, Amanda Whiteside, Aly & Jeff Yale, Anat & Jay Zeidman Join us on Facebook! @ HMHNextGeneration

2017/18 Season Calendar

September Grand Opening at Studio of David Fink

NextGen members

Bill and Edie Orlin

February Collection of Judge Carolyn Garcia

October Kickoff at Rowena Young & Buddy Steves with guest artist, David Graeve November Collection of Marie Bosarge with guest speaker, Tim Klein, Producer UH theatre Dept. December Collection of Leslie and Brad Bucher with guest speaker, Elissa Gydish, Fine Art expert January Collections of James Bell & Bradley Radoff with musical presentation by Harpist, Emily Klein

March Collection of Caroline Guirette with artist showcase by Yvonamor Palix of Palix Fine Arts April Collection of Beverly and Wayne Gilbert with guest speaker, Rahul Mitra, Ph.D., Program Director at MD Anderson May Graffiti Art Parade & Bus tour Guest speaker: gonzo247

2016-2017 NextGen Leadership Committee with Survivor Ben Wasserman From Left to Right: David Berk, Ben Proler, Ben Waserman, Jessica Hart, Carolyn Whiteman, Lexie Silverman, Miguel Hernandez

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LEGACY SOC I ETY

VOLUNTEERS

Rhona and Bruce Caress came from a poor family and had a

Volunteer Appreciation Party The annual Volunteer Appreciation celebration took place April 27, 2017 at The Southmore Luxury High Rise’s 7th Floor Skyline Room. More than 80 attendees mixed and mingled while Holocaust survivor Bill Orlin acted as DJ for the night. Sandy Lessig received the Volunteer Appreciation Award for her dedication in honoring and remembering survivors with the “Through Their Eyes” speaker series and the creation of “Connections,” a program where a museum volunteer is paired with a Holocaust survivor.

R hona and Bruce Caress met at a Bar Mitzvah when they were both with other people, but that didn’t prevent them from connecting and becoming partners in life and marriage over 30 years ago. Each grew up with challenges and struggles, yet through hard work, perseverance and determination, they quickly became a couple the Houston community and numerous organizations have counted on, in many meaningful ways. Rhona, a Montreal native, was born to a Russian mother and a Canadian father. She grew up in an orthodox Jewish home, kept kosher and had a family who propagated her great interest in Israel. She moved to Houston in 1976, and went through a tumultuous divorce. She turned to Congregation Beth Yeshurun and Rabbi Jack Segal, “who made it possible on every level for me and my young son to survive.” She began working in construction industry sales, and quickly became a success. When she was able, she bought Jewish bonds and took her first trip to Israel in 1998. “I was transformed,” she recalls. “I immediately saw there must be a State of Israel, and it is our responsibility to keep it alive,” she proclaims.

hatred and document survivor’s stories. We must educate future generations to perpetuate the truth, no matter what. It is a vital and important organization.” The Caresses have also supported many other organizations, including AIPAC (where they are members of the top-level Minion Club), Aishel House, Seven Acres, Make- A-Wish Foundation, The Jewish Federation, Wounded Warriors, World Vision and Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces. They underwrote The Rhona and Bruce Caress Family Campus at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, and the Caress Stadium at the Emery/Weiner School (built on the same land where Bruce had lived in his youth). They were honored at the Joe Dinner at Emery/Weiner, and were proud to watch their kids plan the event and secure donations – a value they hope they’ve passed on through their years of gifting and supporting. “Seeing our children begin to do what we have been doing philanthropically inspires us to continue doing more,” claims Rhona. “It’s a time in our lives when we can step up and witness what a difference it can make.” “We both feel incredibly blessed,” adds Bruce. “Giving back makes us feel good about ourselves and our legacy, and we like that. And I think it insures five minutes of immortality.” Five minutes, indeed.

difficult childhood, but early on, had the innate fortitude and desire to succeed,” he states. He entered the Big Brother program when he was 13, and was greatly influenced by Leon Samet, and his partner, Leon Mucasey, who he went to work for at Rental Management and L&L Management Company when he was 21. “Both men gave me my keen business acumen and Leon’s travels to Israel helped shape my feelings about the country. I am a conservative Jew who is not religious, but I’m very Jewish in my heart,” he explains. “I have long felt we need to actively perpetuate Judaism, or it will disappear.” He entered the carpet business in his late 20s and opened Redi Carpet, now in 23 cities, in 1981. “I was very diligent, persistent and determined to excel,” he states. “One of my three sons just became CEO of the company on January 1, and I am proud we are keeping the business in the family,” he proclaims. Since Bruce’s retirement from the company, the couple stays active traveling, taking numerous trips to Israel and have recently stepped up their philanthropic work, in general. “We have been involved in Holocaust Museum Houston since 1996, and I’ve been a member of the Board over the years,” adds Bruce. “As members of the Museum’s Legacy Society, we strongly believe in the Museum’s mission to eradicate

Gary Markowitz, Dr. Kelly J. Zúñiga, Sandy Lessig, Catherine Caverly

Yvonne Upchurch, Sherry Sinor

Bruce, originally from New York, moved to Houston in 1956 as a young boy. “I

Blanca N. Eckhart Suzi Feickart

Drs. David Howard and Sally Eisen Miller Judy A. Myers Nicki and Jeff Nachenberg Margaret E. Palco Dr. Nadine Michele Payn Dr. Hyman Penn and Mrs. Lynn Gordon Jeri Rochman Jeri and Marc Shapiro Joel Spira Michael D. Splawn Anna Steinberger, Ph.D. Lawrence and Renee Stern Ellen and Dan Trachtenberg Haya and Dr. Jacobo Varon Joy and Benjamin Warren Mary Lee Webeck Sandra Weiner Eileen D. Weisman J. Lan Williams

Claire Marshall, Nada Chandler, Mike Cahn

Iris and Alan Fisherman Nancy and Richie Freed Andrew T. Gardener, CFP ® Rhoda Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Graf Anne and Donald M. Graubart Joann Greenbaum Arline Guefen Sandra Vivian Hedrick Roger Dale Henderson, Sr. Molly Ann Kaplan Chris and Walter Kase Dr. Milton and Gail Klein Doreen and Marshall Lerner

Amy Frake, Margie Palco

Janice Adamson Betty E. Babendure Hazel and Eli Bensky Sandra and Sam Block Dr. and Mrs. Milton Boniuk Connie S. Boyd Michael and Eva Breston Mike and Susan Cahn Rhona and Bruce Caress John and Janet Carrigan Craig A. Cavanagh Shirley and Alan Cohn Debbye Crofoot-Morley Marci and Stewart Dallas Bailey Dalton-Binion and Greg Binion

Sandy Lessig Jo Ann Levine

Velva G. and H. Fred Levine Mike and Mickey Marvins

Courtney Tutt, Sally Miller, Lan Williams

Warren Krams, Mary Lee Webeck, Anna Steinberger, Madeline Pordorze

Bill “The DJ” Orlin

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TR I BUTE GI FTS

TR I BUTE GI FTS

Tributes from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017 Holocaust Museum Houston’s Tribute Program lets you honor or memorialize a friend, family member or loved one. Each tribute of $18 or more provides the opportunity to make a donation to HMH in their honor. It’s a meaningful way to support the Museum’s mission. Your donation allows HMH to educate our community about the Holocaust, remember the 6 million Jews and other innocent victims and to honor the survivors’ legacy. This listing includes donors who participated in the Tribute Program along with those they chose to recognize. Tributes are listed alphabetically.

Johanna Wycoff Shaar Hashalom Men's Club Kay and Fred Zeidman Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. Phyllis and Jack Selber Sandra and William Smith Larry E. Wadler

Pamela and Robert Penn Melissa and Bradley Kalmans Beth and Lee Schlanger Annette and Daniel Gordon Ruth Schnitzer Ruthe and Marty Berman Sandy and Don Harris Barbara and Raymond Kalmans Eva and Michael Loeb Anita B. Rothschild Ruth K. Steinfeld Bernice Zieben Ellen and Daniel Trachtenberg Abigail Reeves SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS: Gloria and Bernard Katz Renée and Henry Bickart Maxine and Herman Lapin Punkin and Walter Hecht Evelyn R. Wisenberg Roslyn and William Fink SPEEDY RECOVERY: David Amran Wendy and Andrew Bernstein Janet Gurwitch Punkin and Walter Hecht Joel Spira Judith and David Bell Annette and Daniel Gordon Linda and Jerry Rubenstein Tom Werlin Annette and Daniel Gordon THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING: Andrew Fastow JLL Fredda Friedlander Alexander Love Chapter, NSDAR Chaja Verveer Congregation B'nai Israel IN MEMORY OF: Sarina Azizo Cathy and Gary Dante Golda Baker Judy and Mark Mucasey Leni Berger Dorita and Hertzel Aron Shirley and Alan Cohn Helane and Harris Knecht Henia Brazg Estelle and David Simchowitz

Helen Colin

Deanna Kantor Mary T. Newton

Ida R. Domfort Deborah and Edward Rochman Celina Fein Barbara and Stuart Aaron Margaret Alkek Williams and Randa

and Charles Williams Sue Sue and Don Aron Sybil and Ralph Balasco E. Colleen Barros-Rugeley Judith and David Bell Lynn S. Bliss Tali and Eric Blumrosen Ruth W. Brodsky Lu Ann and Lawrence Brody

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: Stefi Altman Regina J. Rogers Nathan Aptekar Suzie Muchnick Dorita and Hertzel Aron Abigail Reeves Dorene and Donald Cohen Rochelle G. Skibell Janet and Richard Cohen Kathy and Garey Marks Anna and Brad Eastman Meredith Canada Jacob Eisenstein Tobi Soskin Denise and Steven Estrin Annette and Daniel Gordon Ellen B. Gaber Barbara and Geoffrey Koslov Cheryl and Stephen Golub Kathy Elsner and Steve Adelman Carol and Barry Goodfriend Punkin and Walter Hecht Sue and John Goott Richard D. Leibman Sharon and Ronald Grabois Lynn S. Bliss Joyce Z. Greenberg Mary L. Harberg Doris and Lane Kalmin Evelyn R. Wisenberg Shirley M. Hecht Punkin and Walter Hecht Punkin and Walter Hecht Lila L. Rauch Gail and Milton Klein Diane and Harry Gendel Luisa Kluger and Arnoldo Efron Jochewed and Angel Werch Sarah Lee Marks Annette and Daniel Gordon Patti and Michael Morgan Judy and Michael Feinstein

IN HONOR OF: Stefi Altman Abigail Reeves Judy and Kenneth Arfa Ira Winsten Lynn S. Bliss Judith A. Myers Dr. Anna Steinberger Ann W. Blum Abigail Reeves Dr. Milton and Laurie Boniuk Sandra G. Weiner Mrs. C. D. Bowers Connie S. Boyd Rosine Chappell Gail and Milton Klein Lynn Gordon and Hyman Penn Shane Clark Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America Nancy and Jack Dinerstein Simone and John Irwin Marvin Dorfman Renée and Henry Bickart Rose Dreyer Marjorie and Clive Fields Anna and Brad Eastman Robin Wayne Lea and Andrew Fastow Michelle Feibus Celina Fein Abigail Reeves Carol and Larry Fradkin Marjorie Katz Fredda and Gary Friedlander Cynthia and Leslie Fox Paula and Richard H. Stein Heidi and David Gerger Arlene and Alan Gerger Sally and Frank Goldberg Amanda Luke Rhoda L. Goldberg Elana R. Lesartre Cheryl and Stephen Golub Judith and Jon Harris

Anne and Donald Graubart The Morris Family Foundation Inc. Joyce Z. Greenberg Rainer Konrad and Ursula Müenzel Chini L. Streitwieser Punkin and Walter Hecht Abigail Reeves B.J. and Buddy Herz Gail and Milton Klein Sandra and Thomas Hedrick Kathy and Garey Marks Lisa and Roy Sheinbaum Barbara and Gerald Hines Diane and Harry Gendel Linda and G. Walter McReynolds Regina J. Rogers West Houston B'Nai Brith Simone and John Irwin Pamela Scheiner-Jarrett and Alan Jarrett Jean and Ronald Ladin Sandra and Richard Jackson Marlene Rubin Madeleine and Ken Kades Diane and Harry Gendel Talia Kalmans Annette and Daniel Gordon Mrs. Walter Kase Punkin and Walter Hecht Gail and Milton Klein Gayle Goodman and Kenneth Adam Joshua H. Klein Doreen and Marshall Lerner Yvette Blog

Trisha Ranch Punkin and Walter Hecht Patricia and Mark Rauch Ann Rogers Enid R. Robinson Punkin and Walter Hecht Jerry Rochman Gulf Coast Bag, Inc. Louise S. Rosenthal Roberta and David Smith Rivka Roussos Sarah R. Lascar Rubin Samelson Yaffa Samelson Mary R. Schwartz and David Cech Rae and Paul Engel Jeri and Marc Shapiro Carol and John Hess Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische Lynda and Daniel Greenberg Suzy Simons Carolyn Faulk The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation

Jean Campbell Frances Caron Jackie and Ely Cohn Jacqueline Cohn

Yvonne and Rufus Cormier Fredell and Robert Deutser Nancy and Jack Dinerstein Lorraine and Theodore Dinerstein Anne B. Diskin Lisa Behm and Brian Doffing Nancy and Russell Ducoff Marc Eichenbaum and Amanda Zimmerman Laura and Kenneth Elmore Rae and Paul Engel Janice Poplack and Michael Epstein Albert Farb Bernice R. Feld Deborah L. Barnette and Mark S. Finkelstein Shari and Scott Frankel

Ricki and Milton Frankfort Nancy and Richard Freed Stuart Friedel Ann and J. Kent Friedman Frances D. Friedman Jill and Gary Fuchs Mary and Todd Fuller Susan and Alan Garber Diane and Harry Gendel Julie and John Gilbert Susan G. Glesby Loretta Friedman and Harold S. Goldstein

Lisa and Roy Sheinbaum Sandra and William Smith Helen and Andrew Spector Charlotte Goldberg Dr. Anna Steinberger Lauren and Alan Gordon Sharon and Cecil Griffin Julie and Ciara Mitchell

Judith A. Myers Abigail Reeves Sylvia A. Wagman

Cheryl and Stephen Golub Carol and Barry Goodfriend Annette and Daniel Gordon Robin and Bennett Greenspan Esther and Arthur Hamberger Barbara B. Harberg Punkin and Walter Hecht Renee and Alan Helfman Jodie Hoffer Anna and Harold Holliday Nancy P. Israel Barbara and Raymond Kalmans Mrs. Walter Kase Kickerillo Company, Inc.

Rosalyn and Barry Margolis Carolyn and Harry Rosenthal The Mitzner Family Adina and Lawrence Burian Joel Spira Lynn Gordon and Hyman Penn Melissa and Bradley Kalmans Andrea and Albert Raizner Caroline and Edward Kuntz Susan and Jeffrey Raizner Barbara and Norman Frankel Lauren and Alan Gordon Caroline and Edward Kuntz

Larry Steinfeld Michelle and Douglas Bercow Fredda and Gary Friedlander Ruth K. Steinfeld Alexander Love Chapter, NSDAR Paula and Richard H. Stein Joy and Benjamin Warren Bailey Dalton and Greg Binion

Marjorie and Clive Fields Leslie and Mark Kaufman Suzy and Jack Schaffer Edith and William Orlin Sharon Reichstein Beverly and David Sufian

Rochelle and Max Levit Risa and Joseph Sontz

Inna Wizig

Aileen and Mark Weycer

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