We were delighted to read the May 8 opinion piece by Jan Burzlaff (“For Holocaust survivors, Maine offered another version of liberation,” Maine Sunday Telegram).

Mr. Burzlaff references three of our founders — Gerda Schild Haas, Cantor Kurt Messerschmidt and his wife Sonja Messerschmidt — describing their journeys from the concentration camps to Maine, where they built new lives, prospering with successful careers and close-knit families. They also spoke out, driven by an urgency to ensure human rights for all people. This led to the creation of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, which is thriving today.

Forty years later, we carry on the founders’ work: building welcoming schools and communities through educational programs, encouraging honest conversation and self-reflection in schools and communities. Thought-provoking art exhibits, talks and cultural events bring people to the Michael Klahr Center in Augusta to gather and learn. Last year we were honored to collaborate on a book titled, “From the Holocaust to Maine: Testimonies of the Survivors,” by Jack Montgomery. It is filled with stunning portraits and personal stories of Holocaust survivors.

We have initiated a program, “Dismantling Democracy: 53 Days in Nazi Germany,” that explores how the Nazi Party legally and systematically dismantled the democratic foundations of the Weimar Republic. The gatherings have been enthusiastically attended in communities across Maine.

In short, we are grateful to Mr. Burzlaff for reminding us of the important and lasting impact that Holocaust survivors have made on our nation. 

Sara Lennon
HHRC Communications Coordinator
Cape Elizabeth