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Co-founder Sharon Hannah Berry is one of Hannah’s seven grandchildren. Along with her sisters, Sandra and Cynthia, this foundation was created to fulfill Ben Fainer’s wishes of continuing his legacy of Holocaust education. Ben is their father who survived Hitler's Hell.
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"While most U.S. adults know when the Holocaust happened and are familiar with Auschwitz, [...] fewer are cognizant about the number of Jews murdered and how Hitler came to power in Germany, according to a [...] American Jewish Committee (AJC) public opinion survey." /1
"I have never seen a picture of my grandmother Hannah, though I continue to search records and photos that have become available. This seemingly small matter is a profound metaphor that illustrates the reality of a life once lived full and normal — extinguished from humanity. Those of us, who carry on the legacy for the victims of this atrocity, have a responsibility to keep their stories alive in ways that honor, respect, and inspire. It is my intent to promote the affirming lessons learned through Holocaust education, hearing personal histories and conscientious reflection."
It seems the concept of Never Again has been replaced with disinformation intended to denigrate people who observe Judaism. This powerful wave of hate in the streets, the media, and college campuses propels us to challenge the rise in global anti-Semitism fueled by lack of knowledge about the Holocaust, Holocaust denial, prejudices against Jews, and the denial of Israel’s right to exist.
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Sharon is retired and now works part time in a research capacity. She devotes the lion's share of her time to the administration and management of the Hannah Ida Urman Foundation. She lives on a several acres in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and has turned her love of gardening into a farmette growing blackberries, sunflowers, and tomatoes. In her spare time, she is writing a book to be titled After the Silence; her personal story following her father's memoir Silent for Sixty Years, co authored by Mark Leach.
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/1 The survey of U.S. adults was conducted for AJC, a nonpartisan organization, by the independent research firm SSRS. A nationally representative sample of 1,004 general population adults, ages 18 or older, was interviewed from October 10 – October 18, 2022. The margin of error is +/-3.8 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
To Those Who Saved Us
"One rainy day, we left the camp and were on a march to who knows where, for unknown reasons . Over the hill came tanks and militia; I thought it was the end of my years of struggling to stay alive . . .
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Sgt. Israel Friedman
120th Evacuation Hospital
United States Army
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The soldiers approached and were speaking to us in English. I spoke Polish, Yiddish and a little German, but not a word of English. One of the guys came over, I will never forget his name -- Israel Friedman -- and he asked me in Yiddish, "What is your name?" He was Jewish, I couldn't believe it. He told me I was safe now, and that everything was going to be okay. I sat down in the wet grass utterly and completely stunned . . . Was it dream? No, the horror was over, I was free."
Sgt. Friedman was one of 500,000 persons of the Jewish religion who enlisted or were drafted during WWII.
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The 120th Evacuation Hospital served in an unusual capacity during WWII rendering medical and surgical aid to those who had somehow survived the atrocities of Hitler's regime. Sometimes they were following General Patton, other instances they were ahead of him
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Serendipity Brings About Chance Meeting
When Ben was 74 and living in West Palm Beach, Florida, he decided to talk to a rabbi and receive his Bar Mitzvah -- something that was stolen from him as a child. An article appeared in the local newspaper featuring Ben's story.
A local resident saw the article, and called Ben and said, "my name is Norris Nims, and I was there in Cham Germany when you were liberated. They met, they cried, became great friends, and filmed a video memorializing their stories.
Ben Fainer and Norris Nims
Mr. Nims was in the Infantry under General Patton. During his military service, he was awarded a Bronze Star Metal for his bravery. He was blessed with 100 years of life.
A Debt of Gratitude
Ben had the highest respect for U.S. Veterans and the those who serve in the armed forces. He traveled to military bases and veterans groups to speak and would bring groups to the Holocaust Learning Center in St. Louis to tour the Museum and hear survivors speak.
Ben Fainer and
William “Will” M. Fraser III
General United States Air Force
(Retired)
Former Commander
U.S. Transportation Command
(October 2011 - May 2014)
Ben shared his story with the Air Force Transport Command in St. Louis.