Steve Gonzer, Co-Chair/Consultant of the Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee
At this point in time, it is nearly 80 years after the end of the Holocaust. How much longer will humankind remember the senseless slaughter of more than 6,000,000 Jews, over 1,000,000 of them children? Will the slogan Never Again be merely words without meaning?
Today in Delaware there are only approximately three Holocaust survivors who remain alive and 245,000 worldwide.
The Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee (HEC) would like to introduce you to three new members, whose passion for Holocaust education will help inspire future generations of Delawareans to Never Forget.
Rebecca, Rayna, and Jared are students at University of Delaware and are currently or have been enrolled in classes taught by Dr. Polly Zavadifker, Director of the Jewish Studies Program at University of Delaware. Dr. Zavadifker is also a member of the HEC.
Rebecca Volk is currently an alumnus of University of Delaware, having graduated from the undergraduate program in December 2024. Her interest in studying about the Holocaust began at a very young age. She has served as a Summer Intern for the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware and Teaching Assistant to Dr. Polly Zavadivker’s HIST339 class: Topics in European History, Ukraine, and Russia. She plans pursue a master’s degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Jared M. Laff is a sophomore at the University, pursuing a career in International Relations. He is a Campus Cultural Fellow for the Israeli American Council, where he assists in uniting the Jewish/Israel community through event planning and activism. As Executive Board President of University of Delaware’s Chabad, he is a key motivator for the Jewish community, inspiring active participation and fostering a sense of belonging among students. He has traveled to Israel to assist with post-October 7 volunteer initiatives.
Rayna King is also a student at the University of Delaware. She believes, “Our history consists of the Jewish community rising up against persecution and showing our strength. Remembering the atrocities committed against our ancestors and against our community reminds us to stay strong and to cherish our values. It pays homage to those who came before us and shows resilience.” Rayna is an active member of the University of Delaware Hillel and has taught in an early Childhood center in Deerfield, Illinois.
We welcome Rebecca, Jared, and Rayna to our committee and trust they will encourage their peers to be unyielding in our attempts to raise awareness about the causes, symptoms and cures of the Holocaust and ally the voices of those who continue to deny history.
