Two Local Students Inspire Holocaust Remembrance
By Melanie Ross Levin, Life and Legacy Manager of Jewish Federation of Delaware
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The news can feel heavy these days. It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong in the world—but it is just as important to remember what’s going right. As Fred Rogers once said, “Look for the helpers.”
Here in Delaware, we don’t have to look far.
Partnering with Light Up America Yellow—an effort to bring greater awareness to International Holocaust Remembrance Day by illuminating landmarks in yellow across the country—two Cape Henlopen High School sophomores turned concern into action. Emery Resnick and Vivien Ruggerio helped spark a growing national movement, working with governors’ offices to shine a visible light of remembrance and honor the millions of victims of the Holocaust.
Their work helped bring that vision to life right here at home, with the Indian River Bridge lit in yellow—serving as both a tribute and a powerful reminder that remembrance matters.
At a time when Holocaust survivors are fewer each year, Emery and Vivien are proving that leadership and impact have no age requirement.
Tell us a little about yourselves.
Emery:
I’m originally from the Washington, D.C. area, but I’ve lived in Delaware for the past 10 years and really love being part of the beach community. I’m a sophomore at Cape Henlopen High School.
During the winter I work at Right Balance Pilates, and in the summer I work in Dewey Beach. After my Bat Mitzvah, I became a Sunday school teacher at the Seaside Jewish Community, where I help younger kids with Hebrew. I also love snowboarding and hope to keep doing that in college.
Vivien:
I live in Rehoboth Beach and I’m also a sophomore at Cape Henlopen High School. I love being at the beach, working out, and taking Pilates classes. I work at The Surf Shanty in the summer and help design merchandise in the winter. I volunteer with Best Buddies and have also volunteered with Faithful Friends—I really love animals, especially my two dogs. I hope to go to college somewhere warm after high school.
How did the two of you come together to work on this project?
We are best friends and have known each other for a long time. In one of our conversations, we were talking about how Jewish hate has recently risen.
What inspired you to partner with Light Up America Yellow and focus on International Holocaust Remembrance Day?
We wanted to put an end to Jewish hate and felt there wasn’t enough recognition for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, so we started emailing governors and asked them to participate. This included our own governor, Matt Meyer. His office was the first to get back to us and said that they were interested in recognizing this important date.
What were the results of your outreach—how many states or buildings ultimately participated?
We are just getting started on our initiative. Delaware was the first to respond to us and join in lighting up the Indian River Bridge in Bethany Beach yellow. We know that 14 states are already participating, including Delaware and, since we got a bit of a late start this year, it is our goal for all 50 states to participate by next year.
What was the biggest challenge you faced along the way?
Getting in touch with the correct contacts in each of the governor’s offices and getting them to respond to our request has definitely been our biggest challenge. We are hoping to reach every state that isn’t already participating and get them to join in this effort.
What was your favorite or most memorable moment during the project?
Driving to the Indian River Bridge in our own home state and seeing it lit up after having asked the governor’s office to participate. It was also pretty cool to see Governor Meyer put out a social media post and press release.
How did working together—one Jewish and one non-Jewish—shape how you approached this effort?
Hate affects everyone and we wanted to work together to raise awareness.
Why do you think Holocaust remembrance and education are especially important right now?
We think this is especially important right now because of the recent rise in antisemitism. We also want to make sure people know and remember what happened in the past so it doesn’t get repeated.
In one sentence, what would you say to other students who want to make a difference?
In keeping with Jewish tradition, we would say to follow the power of one—no act of kindness is insignificant, as one small action can trigger a chain reaction of positive change.
Have more good news to share from our community? We’d love to hear from you. Please reach out and help us continue to shine a light on the stories that bring us together.
Header Photo Credit: Governor Matt Meyer
