Holocaust Remembrance Day Observed in Wantagh

More than 100 people gathered in the sanctuary of Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh Sunday evening to remember the millions killed during the Holocaust and those who survived the atrocities committed by the Nazis against the Jews and other groups seven decades ago. 

Temple B’nai Torah along with Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh and Congregation Beth-El in North Massapequa joined together in hosting their annual Holocaust Remembrance Day service with readings, music and prayer. Candles were also lit by relatives of Holocaust victims and survivors.

The ceremony also featured a blank seat in front of the sanctuary’s platform with a tallit that was in memory of a Chana Mendelevski, one of the estimated 1.2 million Jewish children who lost their lives in the Holocaust during World War II. Temple B’nai congregant Marielle Garvey decided to honor Mendelevski during her Bat Mitzvah service held Saturday.

“It makes you feel like you are doing something meaningful,” said Garvey after Sunday’s service of how it felt recognizing a child Holocaust victim at her Bat Mitzvah. “It was an amazing experience.”