Columbus marks 40th annual Holocaust remembrance with survivor testimony and student participation

The City of Columbus held its 40th annual Holocaust Remembrance Program in City Hall chambers, bringing together survivors, elected officials, faith leaders and students to honor victims, hear survivor testimony and emphasize Holocaust education.

The program, presented under the auspices of Mayor Andrew Ginther and sponsored by the Department of Neighborhoods and Columbus City Council in cooperation with Jewish Columbus and the Holocaust Education Committee, featured opening remarks from Columbus City Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorrance, a keynote testimony from Sandy Hackman, a candle-lighting ceremony with six survivors and five representatives for other persecuted groups, and closing observances at the Patel Memorial Park memorial sculpture.

Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorrance opened the remarks in council chambers, calling Holocaust remembrance an active obligation. "The words 'never again' cannot be an idle phrase," Dorrance said,…