Human Rights Art and Writing Contest

On April 15, 2021, winners of the Holocaust and Human Rights Art and Writing Contest for Middle School and High School Students were announced during the virtual 2nd Annual Yom Hashoah-Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration.

Co-sponsored by the Town of New Castle Holocaust & Human Rights Committee and the Horace Greeley High School E.N.O.U.G.H. club, the contest encouraged students to learn and think about the lessons of the Holocaust and how they are applicable in today’s world. Contest submissions were judged by the New Castle Holocaust & Human Rights Committee Members based on criteria including creativity, style, originality, and thoughtfulness.

The first prize entries in each category were shared at the ceremony, which included Holocaust survivor Paul Edelsberg, father of New Castle resident Tema Bomback and Grandfather of E.N.O.U.G.H. member Caroline Bomback, sharing his story of survival. You can watch the video of the entire ceremony HERE.

Congratulations to:

(Click Name To See Their Submission)

ESSAY CONTEST

Students were asked to respond to one of the following questions:  

1. At annual Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies a resounding message is “Never Again.”  What does “Never Again” mean to you? What responsibilities do you have as an “upstander” to ensure this phrase becomes a reality?
2. A recent study by the Claims Conference stated that 58% of Americans believe something like the Holocaust will happen again*. Why is it important to know about the Holocaust? Where did you learn about the Holocaust? What lessons have you drawn from what you have learned about the Holocaust?
3. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a [person] is not where he/she stands in moments of comfort but where he/she stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  Based on what you know about the Holocaust how would you respond to current issues of injustice and inequality occurring today?

*Source:  Claims Conference Website (www.claimscon.org)

ART CONTEST

Entries were based on information the student learned about the Holocaust and/or a survivor’s or a rescuer’s testimony that they have seen or heard either in person or on video. . .responding to this prompt:

• As you listen to the survivor's or rescuer's testimony, and as you reflect on the stories the person shares, think about and write down a specific word, phrase, or sentence that resonates with you as crucial to that individual's memory of the Holocaust.
• As a person now entrusted with this individual's memory, through your creativity in art, poetry, sculpture, drawing, photography, painting, film or music, explore the meaning and significance of this word, phrase, or sentence in the survivor's or rescuer's story and in your understanding of the Holocaust.