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Students read names to remember Holocaust

Solemn and often tearful students read yesterday from a seemingly never-ending list of names of those who died in the Holocaust as the Memorial of Names began on the Diag.

Many students found themselves unable to stop tears as they read through name after name on the overwhelming list.

"It was powerful. You read a name `and family' or `and children.' Whole generations were made extinct. It was very hard to read," said Rhee Rosenman, an LSA first-year student.

The reading of names from a book nearly as thick as the student directory started at noon yesterday and will continue until noon today. The vigil is part of the 17th Annual Conference on the Holocaust sponsored by Hillel, which began Monday and continues through Sunday.

Conference Chair Marni Holtzman said the Memorial of Names makes "the memory of the Holocaust more tangible," and serves a dual purpose here on campus.

"It is a symbol in respect and memory of those killed in the Holocaust as well as a message to the University that it is not forgotten," Holtzman said.

The students signed up to read, include members of sororities and fraternities, church groups and other groups such as the Arab-Jewish Forum.

Any other students wishing to read are able to volunteer any time during the 24 hours. Students of all denominations are encouraged to participate.

"This is not just a Jewish issue, other groups suffered as well," Holtzman said.

Despite the cold yesterday, student readers saw the Memorial as a simple way to honor those killed in the Holocaust. Students can read for a few minutes or as long as they please and then give the podium to someone else.

"This was a small way I could remember the people who suffered and who were the same as me," said Dara Shifrin, an LSA sophomore.

To keep the volunteers warm, the planning committee for the Conference provided portable heaters. Amer's Mediterranean Deli and Espresso Royale provided food and coffee.

"It has been a real community effort," Holtzman said.

Planning committee member Dorane Ruskay said the cold is uncomfortable but doesn't keep readers from pouring in, even after midnight.

"It takes so little. A lot of people are really open to it. People just walk by and want to read," said Ruskay, an RC senior.

Students standing by for a chance to read or just to listen a while said they felt it was important to honor the memory of Holocaust victims on campus.

"We have to remember our past so it won't be repeated again. Reading the names is a good way to remember the people who gave their lives for our future," said Adam Thodey, an Engineering senior.

Immediately following the vigil, the Jewish a cappella group Kol HaKavod is scheduled to perform on the Diag. Throughout the week, Hillel will be sponsoring lectures, exhibits and shows as the conference continues.