Greetings

We gathered on Tuesday night to celebrate 40 years of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine. The evening was memorable as founders, survivor families, past executive directors, longtime friends, loyal community members, spouses, friends, and newcomers gathered to reminisce, laugh, catch up, and thank the people who built the organization. On a sunny autumn afternoon guests mingled on the patio while the talented band, Casco Bay Tummlers, kept toes tapping with spirited music. A silent auction with 18 items and experiences invited guests to bid, and check back often for updates on their choices. The first two hours enjoying drinks and good friends was a perfect beginning to the evening.

The program began with a land acknowledgment by host Glenn Cummings, concluding with the words “At a moment when truth, justice, and human dignity are under constant pressure, we come together to affirm that education, compassion, and courage can chart a different course.” Two HHRC founders, Burke Long and Jed Davis, reminisced about the early days of shared passions, inspiration, and Gerda Haas’s kind, determined leadership. Next Gerda’s son David shared his mother’s story of courage and resilience, and how she deftly managed to be a loving mother and wife while organizing a diverse group of talented people to create an amazing organization. 

Glenn asked the families of Holocaust survivors to stand, who were applauded. Next, early founders and supporters of the HHRC Burke Long, Jed Davis, Ragnhild Baade, Christine Holden, Steve Black, Scott Dow, and Merle Nelson stood to be acknowledged by a grateful audience. 

Michael Messerschmidt, son of Holocaust survivors Cantor Kurt and Sonja Messerschmidt, received an award for his thirty years as Clerk for the HHRC and for continuing his parents’ legacy through leadership and community service in Maine. 

Guests were reminded that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Michael Klahr Center groundbreaking and the dedicated work of the Building Design Committee: Ragnhild Baade, Robert Katz, and Sheri Stevens, and recognizing Phyllis Jalbert for ensuring that the work of all would endure and expand for generations to come. 

Lastly, Peter Mendall was thanked for his ten years of dedicated service as Treasurer, helping the community carry forward the mission with energy and care. In summary, said Glenn, “Together, these leaders embody the dedication, vision, and perseverance that have sustained the HHRC for four decades. We celebrate you, and we thank you.”

As dinner was served, the focus shifted to looking ahead to the next generation. Acknowledging Nancy Spiegel, wife of the late Lawrence “Larry” Spiegel, in the audience, Glenn invited Spiegel Scholarship Award recipient Kelly Malcolm to share excerpts from her eloquent and heartfelt essay. She concluded, “I am so honored to be recognized. I will use the scholarship money to help pay for college, and plan to continue learning about human rights and encouraging my classmates to be kind and welcome others into their friend groups.” Glenn recognized the Mathilde Schlossberger Award recipient, highlighting Braydan Benton’s one-person performance on the Americans with Disabilities Act—a powerful and compelling reminder of the creativity and courage that young people bring to human rights education. Braydan came to the front with his social studies teacher, Jamie Karaffa, to receive his award and share a hug. The Scholarship Committee was thanked: Ragnhild Baade, Tim Surrette, Robert Katz, Timothy Wilson, Erica Nadelhaft, and Tam Huynh.

Concluding the program was Gerda Haas Award recipient, Maulian Dana Bryant. As Executive Director of the Wabanaki Alliance, Maulian has been a steadfast advocate for the rights and sovereignty of the Wabanaki Nations. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to justice and a vision for a more equitable future, grounded in hard work. Raised on the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation, Maulian comes from a lineage of tribal leaders, including both grandmothers who held leadership positions and a father who served as Penobscot chief during her teenage years. She spoke movingly and eloquently about her recently deceased grandmother who was a life-long presence of love, inspiration, family, and tribe. Maulian described traditions, tribal ceremonies, and daily walks around the island with so much love and admiration for her family’s matriarch. She credits her grandmother for the courage she has had to fight for justice, carry on traditions, and love her family with a big and open heart. Noting how very much work remains to be done, she believes that leading with love is the only true way forward, though far from easy. Maulian’s talk was a beautiful tribute and inspiring call to move into the future with compassion and wisdom.

As dinner concluded, guests bought copies of Jack Montgomery’s book, "From the Holocaust to Maine: Testimonies of Survivors" and chatted with him as he signed each one. They enjoyed dessert while the fabulous School Street Band played songs that made it impossible not to dance. Guests lingered to enjoy the music and warmth of community before reluctantly saying goodnight.

My gratitude to this community is beyond words. 

Tam Huynh
HHRC Executive Director