Full Breakdown
Honoring Jewish Rescuers at Yom Hashoah Ceremony in Jerusalem
4/15/2026, 3:28:37 PM
Commemoration of Heroism During the Holocaust
On Yom Hashoah, a ceremony in Jerusalem recognized the bravery of four Jewish individuals who risked their lives to save fellow Jews during the Holocaust. Organized by the B’nai B’rith World Center and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, this annual event is unique in its focus on Jewish rescuers, aiming to correct the misconception that Jews did not assist one another during this dark period. The Jewish Rescuers Citation, established in 2011, has honored 667 individuals since its inception.
Profiles of the Honorees
The four honorees recognized this year include:
- Shoshana Jansje Litten Serlui: A leader of a Youth Aliyah training farm in the Netherlands, Serlui worked with underground networks to forge documents and secure hiding places for Jewish youths. Captured by the SS in 1944, she perished on a death march in 1945.
- Ellen-Ellie Waterman: Also from the Netherlands, Waterman was instrumental in forging identity papers and establishing safe houses. Despite going underground herself, she continued her rescue efforts, aiding hundreds of Jews in hiding.
- Simha Kazik Rotem: A key figure in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Rotem used his ability to pass as non-Jewish to smuggle weapons and guide fighters to safety through the sewers. He immigrated to Israel after the war.
- Paul Giniewski: Active in the French Zionist underground, Giniewski risked his life delivering forged documents and coordinating with local officials to help Jews in hiding. He survived multiple arrests and later became a journalist.
Significance of the Event
The ceremony, held at the Van Leer Institute, featured speakers such as Eyal Ostrinsky, chairman of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, who emphasized the importance of remembering the heroism displayed during the Holocaust. Ostrinsky stated, “On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we salute the heroism of Jews who saved their people in the darkest hours.” The event also drew parallels between the historical heroism of these rescuers and contemporary acts of bravery, particularly referencing the recent Hamas-led attacks in Israel.
Personal Testimonies
Moshe Shapira, whose son was killed while defending participants at the Nova Music Festival during the October 7 attacks, shared a poignant connection between past and present heroism. He recounted how his grandfather had saved 2,000 Jews during the Nazi regime, and he highlighted his son's courageous actions during the recent crisis, stating, “Ten people are alive today because of him.”
Conclusion
The Yom Hashoah ceremony serves not only as a remembrance of the Holocaust but also as a reminder of the resilience and bravery exhibited by Jews who risked everything to save others. The stories of Shoshana Jansje Litten Serlui, Ellen-Ellie Waterman, Simha Kazik Rotem, and Paul Giniewski continue to inspire and educate future generations about the importance of solidarity and courage in the face of adversity.
