By Samuel Asher

On April 27, more than 250 people from across the Commonwealth gathered in our Choral Synagogue for the Annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration.

Estemed Middle East expert Ambassador Dennis Ross spoke to a hushed audience about Israel, the impact of October 7th, and what he sees as the key priorities in the months ahead.

Ambassador Dennis Ross

He noted that resilience is Israel's most defining characteristic, reviewing many examples through the years since its founding.

 

Halina Zimm lights a candle.

Roger Loria lights a candle assisted by his daughter, Rachel.

 

Tommy Baer lights a candle.

Student Visual Arts Contest

A highlight of the program each year is the announcement of the winners of the Student Visual Arts Contest, open to students in grades 6–12.

The contest is made possible by a generous grant from Marcus and Carole Weinstein.

For the Virginia Holocaust Museum’s 2025 contest, students were asked to explore the Museum’s collection.

They watched interviews with Survivors and rescuers, read their stories, and examined family photographs to reflect how the lives of local Survivors have impacted and influenced them.

The first place award winner in Senior Division "Acts of Selflessness" by Reese Burroughs

First place winner in Junior Division - "Halina Zimm" by Elizabeth Wade

 

There were 42 entries this year from students across Virginia. The winners are:

Senior Division

1st Place – Acts of Selflessness by Reese Burroughs

2nd Place – The Courage to Care by Mason DiBlasi

3rd Place – Protection by Alyssa Powell

Honorable Mention – New Beginnings by Nyeta Imani

Junior Division

1st Place – Halina Zimm by Elizabeth Wade

2nd Place – Eta Ipp by Isabelle Koneru

3rd Place – Broken Memories by Emunah Kerzhner

Honorable Mention – Rosalia Kaplan by Bella Bagby