Grigory Shershnevsky
January 20, 2023

Today we are honored to cast a spotlight on Grigory Shershnevsky, a local Holocaust survivor and Holocaust Resource Center (HRC) speaker.

Since 2005, January 27 is designated by the United Nations General Assembly as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on January 27, 1945. This day is used to honor both the six million Jewish victims and the 5 million others who perished during the Holocaust.

The HRC’s main goals are to teach the lessons of the Holocaust and to remember the survivors and victims.  These goals are achieved through documentation, personal testimony of our local survivors and most importantly through the education of future generations by in school presentations.  As our survivors age, their stories and legacies are our only personal link to first hand knowledge of the horrors of the Holocaust.

Grigory Shershnevksy, one of our local Holocaust survivors shares his incredible story with thousands of students and community members each year.  In his presentations, Greg introduces students to Aleksandra Drezvetska, the Polish woman who risked her life by saving Greg as an infant.  Greg shares the impossible choice his parents had to make in hopes their baby and only child would survive. Aleksandra’s act of bravery saved Greg and many other children, and she was recognized as a Righteous Among Nations by Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.  Greg ends his presentation by encouraging students to be upstanders.  To read Greg’s story click HERE.

To commemorate UN Holocaust Remembrance Day, the HRC in partnership with the Permanent Chair of Polish Culture at Canisius College invite you to hear author Sharon Cameron speak about her book The Light in Hidden Places on Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 pm at Canisius College.  Cameron’s novel is based on two young sisters, Stefania and Helena Podgorska who hid thirteen Jews in their attic in Poland during the Holocaust and were later named Righteous Gentiles.   This in-person program is also being offered virtually.  Click HERE for more information.

Should you have any questions, please email Lauren Bloomberg HERE.

 

Grigory Shershnevsky - Stan Greg Shershnevsky HOLOCAUST SUR17 1 scaled
Grigory Shershnevsky - the light in hidden places flyer online