The Glastonbury Holocaust Remembrance Project (GHRP) stands as a powerful testament to a commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust while confronting the rise of hatred and intolerance in the modern world.
Founded by a group of concerned citizens, the GHRP's mission is to ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten, to raise awareness about the persistence of hate, and to educate future generations about the importance of standing against injustice and indifference.
In the spring of 2023, one of the GHRP’s founders, Carol Fishman, had a life-changing experience during a trip to Poland to visit Holocaust sites, including the infamous concentration camps. Although she had studied the Holocaust extensively in college and read numerous books on the subject, nothing could prepare her for the emotional impact of standing at the very places where millions of people were persecuted.
"The scale of hatred that led to such unspeakable suffering was something I had never fully understood until I saw it with my own eyes," she recalls. "The emotional weight of it was overwhelming."
This profound experience sparked a sense of urgency, Carol says, as the trip reinforced that hatred and intolerance are not confined to history.
"I couldn’t shake the thought that hatred is rising again, fueled by the internet and misinformation," she says. "People are forgetting, and we need to do something to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are passed down to future generations."
Inspired by this realization, she and two other local people, Elizabeth Berman and Debra Glass, decided to bring a Holocaust remembrance event to Glastonbury—a town that, though home to a vibrant Jewish community, could benefit from a broader understanding of the historical and contemporary relevance of the Holocaust.
They turned to the First Church of Glastonbury for support, and Rev. Kate VanDerzee-Glidden, along with the congregation, embraced the idea.
"The Holocaust is not just about one group of people—it’s about the rise of hatred and the dehumanization of 'the other.' We wanted to make sure that message was heard,” said Debra.
In its first year, the GHRP’s 2024 event was a resounding success. Over 400 people attended the standing-room only gathering, surpassing the organizers' expectations.
The evening featured a candle lighting ceremony, a powerful speech by Holocaust survivor Rabbi Philip Lazowski of West Hartford, and musical performances by students from the Glastonbury High School Madrigal Choir.
In 2025, the GHRP is continuing its mission to commemorate the Holocaust while also educating young people about the dangers of hatred in the present day. This year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m., will highlight the plight of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust. The children who survived as well as the non-Jewish who risked their lives to save them.
Among the highlights of the evening will be a keynote address by Ruth Weiner, a Holocaust survivor who was rescued on the Kindertransport, an effort that rescued Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe.
“Hatred can lead to violence—unthinkable violence,” says one of the organizers. “We want to make sure that people understand that the dangers of hatred aren’t just a thing of the past."
As part of a global initiative to plant daffodils in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the holocaust, GHRP will plant 250 daffodils in Glastonbury. A symbol of remembrance and hope, the daffodil plantings will take place in a public space, ensuring that the memory of those lost is visible to the entire community.
The GHRP is also committed to engaging the town's youth for the second consecutive year, any high school student living in Glastonbury will have an opportunity to participate in a contest related to the holocaust and hatred. The contest offers monetary prizes and aims to inspire young people to become agents of positive change.
“This is not just about looking back; says Elizabeth. “Our youth are the key to making sure that history doesn’t repeat itself. If we can help them understand the connection between past atrocities and the problems we face today, we can create a generation that's committed to justice and compassion.”
As the April event draws near, registration for the public is now open via the GHRP website GHRP.NET, and it promises to be another impactful evening for the Glastonbury community. With a combination of education, remembrance, and action, the GHRP remains a vital force in ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to resonate for generations to come. For more information or to make a donation, visit GHRP.net.
“This is not just about looking back. Our youth are the key to making sure that history doesn’t repeat itself. If we can help them understand the connection between past atrocities and the problems we face today, we can create a generation that's committed to justice and compassion.” Elizabeth Berman