The Midwest Center for Jewish Learning (MCJL) presented a truly unique Yom Hashoah experience in Northbrook hosted at Darchei Noam of Glenbrook. The event featured Aron Bell (Bielski), the youngest and last remaining brother of the Bielski brothers partisan group that fought against the Nazis and saved approximately 1,200 people. The number of descendants from those who survived as part of this group are estimated at around 30,000. Aron told his story choked by tears but with the most charming and endearing smile. It was a conversation of pain and perseverance along with inspiration and optimism. The end of the evening was topped off by a five minute face-time with Aron’s granddaughter, Aliza Abrams Konig, a prominent Jewish educator in New York, and reflected on what it is like growing up as the granddaughter of such an inspiring man and legacy. Consistent with all MCJL programming, this event brought together a diverse crowd from amidst the Chicago Jewish community and was a meaningful night of connection, memory, and continuity.
* Photo Credit: Photos By Geula Deray
