Transforming Our Community H O L O C A U S T M E M O R I A L C E N T E R Z E K E L M A N F A M I LY C A M P U S RECOGNIZING AND THANKING Alvin & Henrietta Weisberg FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTER ON THE OCCASION OF ALVIN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY C ommunity role models, philanthropists and lifelong builders of the Center, Henrietta and Alvin Weisberg are dedicated to our shared ideals of Holocaust education and Jewish survival. The Weisberg’s generosity has made possible the creation of the Henrietta and Alvin Weisberg Gallery. Located at the entrance of the museum, the Gallery houses an authentic Holocaust-era boxcar. It has a profound impact on Center visitors, constituting a tangible link to the millions of innocent people who were transported from their homes to the death camps, including Henrietta Weisberg. The Gallery is dedicated to the memory of Henrietta’s parents Sara and Israel Gastfrajnd and brothers Rubin and Hershel Gastfrajnd, who perished during the Holocaust. “Nothing could have been worse,” said Henrietta Weisberg regarding her memories of being on a similar boxcar with her sister Rachel. “While there have been movies and books about the Holocaust, you cannot truly understand unless you were there.” Alvin and Henrietta Weisberg wanted to make sure that people would remember what happened to Henrietta’s family and the Jews of Europe, so that it would never happen to anyone again. That is why they also created a permanent endowment to teach people about the Holocaust. This endowment helps maintain the Weisberg Gallery and the continuity of education programs at the Center. According to the Weisbergs, the Holocaust Memorial Center is important because it’s a beacon for freedom. It shows what happens when you are not tolerant of other people. “We have a responsibility to support the Center,” explained their daughter-in-law Lori Weisberg, who is a docent, “not only to pay tribute to the memory of those who endured this tragic and horrible time, but because this museum lays a foundation for the future, for future generations to go forward and make the world a better place.” Happy birthday, Alvin! May you and Henrietta go from strength to strength, and may your community leadership, philanthropy and beautiful marriage continue to inspire and set an example for all of us. Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus t 28123 Orchard Lake Rd. t Farmington Hills, MI 48334 www.holocaustcenter.org 248.553.2400 August 11 • 2016 31