Photo: David Groen addresses the crowd at Bethlehem Chabad.
ALBANY – Seventy-five community members recently gathered at Bethlehem Chabad for an evening of music and remembrance, “Vanished Voice: A Story of Survival and Legacy.”
David Groen, a child of survivors, related his parents’ survival efforts during the Holocaust. He also shared about an uncle who died in Auschwitz, but prior to his incarceration had left with a friend a beloved violin. The violin has since been returned to the family.
Violinist Steffen Zeichner played the instrument during the program. According to organizers, the melodies performed held significance, as many were reminiscent of the tunes played by Groen’s uncle with his jazz band before the Holocaust.
Groen and Zeichner also made a presentation at Bethlehem Central High School, sharing history of the rise of the Nazis with students who may not have been familiar with the history. The presentation emphasized the importance of standing up for what is right, to ensure that evil does not prevail, according to Chanie Simon, co-director of Bethlehem Chabad.
