The Echoes of the Holocaust
In the vibrant streets of Miami Beach, a remarkable event unfolded: an extraordinary photo shoot that transcended the boundaries of traditional fashion imagery. The models for this project were not fashion icons, but survivors of the Holocaust, their faces etched with experiences that shaped their souls.
Judy Rodan, an 87-year-old, spoke of the ineffaceable scars of the Holocaust. “It’s an indelible mark, impossible to erase. No therapy, no treatment can undo what we’ve endured.”
Miriam Klein Kassendorf, 88, escaped the horrors on foot, witnessing her father’s brutal arrest. “My childhood was stolen, but we owe it to the world to remember and expose the horrors that transpired.”
David Schecter, a nonagenarian, survived two concentration camps and now speaks out because “our children need to know.”
Photographer Gillian Laub embarked on a mission to immortalize the survivors, capturing over 300 portraits so far. Her subjects exuded a poignant mix of pride, resilience, and sadness. “They embody the spirit of those who overcame adversity,” observed Laub.
Time is not on their side, with 8%-10% of Holocaust survivors passing away each year. “Who will tell our stories when we’re gone?” questioned one survivor.
Laub’s “Live2Tell” project has become a powerful testament to their lives. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, her projections illuminated New York City with portraits of survivors, a bold and respectful act of art that sparked a new wave of awareness.
The horrors of the Holocaust have not vanished with time. Events like the recent conflict in Gaza have reignited antisemitism in America, raising concerns among survivors about the legacy they leave behind.
“Our mission is to ensure that the world remembers,” said Kassendorf. “We are the living witnesses, and we must keep telling our stories.”
Laub’s work has reignited a flame in the hearts of many survivors, reminding them of their importance as bearers of history. On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Schecter, Rodan, and Kassendorf were projected as towering figures on Miami Beach, their presence a testament to their unyielding spirit.
“I sought wisdom in these survivors,” said Laub. “Their resilience has illuminated the path for all of us.”
The children of the Holocaust, who never truly had a childhood, are the last remaining witnesses to an atrocity the world must never forget. Gillian Laub’s portraits serve as a vital reminder of the horrors that unfolded and an eternal tribute to those who survived the darkness.
As Kassendorf eloquently stated, “We are a living testament to the triumph over hate and antisemitism. In the words of our Yiddish proverb, ‘Mir zenen do’… We are here.”
By
