Red Cross Presents Holocaust Memorial Event

The American Red Cross Connecticut Region is partnering with Jewish communities in Connecticut to share a special Yom Hashoah presentation featuring guest speakers Ann Freed, whose Holocaust survivor mother and uncle were reunited after 60 years by the American Red Cross, and American Red Cross Vice President, International Services, David Meltzer.

“We are excited and honored to have Ann Freed and David Meltzer here as our guests,” said American Red Cross Connecticut Region CEO Dianne Auger. “Ann’s story is very moving and David’s information about the work of the Red Cross and our relationship with the Magen David Adom – the Israel Red Cross – is fascinating.”

Ann Freed’s mother, Maria Maksymuik, was separated from her brother, Elko, after he was taken to a slave labor camp in 1942. They unsuccessfully tried for 60 years, through many channels, to find him, until 2002, when the Red Cross Holocaust tracing service was able to locate him. He was living in a small village in the Ukraine.

Freed tells a compelling story of her mother and family and their quest for closure and finally the meeting between brother and sister. The visit took place in the Ukraine shortly before both of them passed away.

The second speaker, David Meltzer, is well-versed in International issues and the story of the Magen David Adom, the Israeli Red Cross society. Meltzer will speak about the myths and realities about the Red Cross, as well as the American Red Cross support for the recognition of the Magen David Adom in the international Red Cross movement.

This special program, to mark Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Memorial, is being presented at the Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, Thursday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Admission to these events is free of charge, but registration is required. VIP receptions precede each event at 6:30 p.m. Admission to the VIP events is $75 per person.

For more information about the New Haven event and reception or to make reservations, contact Laura Campbell at (203) 874-2532 ext.19, or email her at Laura.Campbell@ctredcross.org.