Honor those who inspire us during Jewish American Heritage Month | Commentary

In May of 2011 I was invited to attend the Jewish American Heritage Month reception at the White House. I remember my father saying, “What an amazing opportunity you have been given to visit our nation’s capital surrounded by other proud Jewish Americans.”

I’m glad my father lived to see me receive that honor. He passed away later that year.

My dad loved his country and religion and was always my role model and inspiration.

Since his passing I have leaned on others in my life to teach and inspire me, while leading me down a clean and righteous path. They are all very special to me.

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is celebrated throughout May. During the month we observe both Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). JAHM is also a time dedicated to celebrating the rich contributions of Jewish Americans to our society and recognizing the remarkable impact they have made on our lives.

Our lives are so much more fulfilling due to the accomplishments of these heroes.

Holocaust survivor Norman Frajman who passed away on April 25th was a special hero to me and thousands of others in our Jewish community.

Norman was President of the Child Survivors/Hidden Children of the Holocaust in Palm Beach County and the epitome of resilience.

He was just a boy when German soldiers forced his family into the Warsaw ghetto. They were then deported to Majdanek, a concentration camp where his mother and sister were murdered. From Majdanek, Norman endured Skarzysko, Buchenwald and Schlieben and a death march before being liberated at 15 years old.

Too many young people know nothing about these horrific events and too often believe the words of deniers and Jews haters. Norman made it his duty to educate them and his fellow survivors are carrying the torch that he lit.

Norman always greeted me with his efficacious smile and handshake. I have gained so much more knowledge about the worst atrocity in human history by having known him.

Norman always said, “Our goal as Holocaust survivors is to leave a legacy for future generations, so this catastrophe does not repeat itself.”

During Jewish American Heritage Month and throughout your life’s journey, take a moment to honor those who have made a difference in our lives.

Let’s vow to “Never Forget.”

Alan Goch is editor of the Florida Jewish Journal.