In America we dont have Holocaust Remembrance Day. So it's safe to say that this was my first Holocaust Remembrance Day... Well official and in Israel.
In America growing up I learned about the Holocaust in Hebrew School, the Temple, High School, and my family. My Grandma and my Omi were from Germany. So was the rest of their family before they were murdered by the Nazis.
Omi is the german word for Grandma. Omi was my Grandmas mom.
On Yom Ha Shoah between 12-1 (the height of everyone's day) EVERYTHING shuts down. Also a 2 minutes alarm sounds. This was one of the things I've never witnessed before in my life. When the alarm sounded everyone stopped what they were doing and stood still. Cars stopped. It didn't matter where they were. The drivers got out of their cars. Those that were walking stopped. Those that were sitting in trains stood. It was very different and very touching to see.
Around 1230 my friends Sam, Rebecca, and I left class to go to the Memorial Service. They recited speeches and told stories and they played the National Anthem.
The whole thing was amazing. Im glad to have been here during it. This upcoming Monday is Memorial Day and then Tuesday is Independence Day. I will have pictures for these two days and a blog for them as well. Right now all of Israel is covered in flags.
I didnt feel comfortable taking pictures of Yom Ha Shoah. BUT heres one of my Grandma, Omi, and I.
I got goosebumps reading your description, Becky. I'm learning a lot. That's quite an historical and heartwarming photo of the three of you. They would be so proud of you, as we all are.
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