Upcoming Events

Award-winning journalist Lee Yaron will speak on September 15th at the HHRC

With gratitude for the generosity and collaboration of the Jewish Community Alliance, we are thrilled to welcome Lee Yaron, an award-winning journalist and the youngest winner of the National Jewish Book Award for her groundbreaking work, 10/7: 100 Human Stories to speak at the Michael Klahr Center on Monday, September 15th, at 7:00 pm. The presentation will be available by zoom as well. Lee will share powerful stories from everyday citizens who live on the border of Israel and Gaza who were witnesses, relative, victims of the attack on October 7th. She interviewed over one hundred people for the book, and shares not only their stories, but the history of the communities that were torn apart on that day. Each chapter begins with a portrait of a community, interweaving history with broader political analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to provide context for the narratives that follow. She will share a story about a Holocaust survivor with an incredible life story who fell victim to Hamas. This will be the first in our Distinguished Lecture Series for the year.  

From Amazon, “A radically passionate work of investigative journalism and political critique by acclaimed Haaretz reporter Lee Yaron, 10/7 chronicles the massacre that ignited a war through the stories of more than 100 civilians. These stories are the products of extensive interviews with survivors, the bereaved, and first responders in Israel and beyond. The victims run the gamut from left-wing kibbutzniks and Burning Man-esque partiers to radical right-wingers, from Bedouins and Israeli Arabs to Thai and Nepalese guest workers, peace activists, elderly Holocaust survivors, refugees from Ukraine and Russia, pregnant women, and babies.”

We are so excited to be hosting this important presentation and conversation and hope you will join us to hear Lee speak about researching and writing what Amazon calls, “The definitive account of the 10/7 attacks through the stories of its victims and the communities they called home.” Read more here. The event is free. A zoom link will be provided before the event. For in-person attendance, registration tables will be set up outside the building and IDs will need to be shown at the entrance for security reasons. Register here.

Soul Survivors Book

We are thrilled to collaborate on a beautiful book by and about Maine Holocaust survivors as a resource for students and teachers. Through the Lens: Creating Soul Survivors by Photographer Jack Montgomery will showcase stunning portraits paired with the survivor’s story about suffering, persevering and surviving the Holocaust to go on and build a new life in America. These people founded and built the Holocaust and Human Rights Center—remaining steadfast supporters and members of our close community. The book is brings together projects that date back to the beginning of the HHRC and building of the Michael Klahr Center. We are indebted to Jack, and thrilled that these evocative portraits and heartbreaking, inspiring stories now exist in a book. Writes Jack, “The things we save can become the means for our recovery. I am moved by every aspect of these stories … And I am forever grateful to the survivors for giving us this record, which no amount of denial or historical revisionism can ever erase. We are in their debt.” A generous donor has funded the gift of a free copy to every school in Maine.

Commemorating 40 Exceptional Years

Through several initiatives in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary celebration, we will preserve the stories and voices of our founders, Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Maine to rebuild their lives. As it turned out, they also changed the state, bringing advocacy and education to students by traveling the state telling their stories, and speaking out against antisemitism and bigotry. This project will include a stunning book, collaborative educational programs, four art exhibits, a Timeline structured by decade, and a joyous celebration Gala.