Sunday, Nov. 1, Chabad Williamsburg Virginia hosted Holocaust survivor George Rishfeld in the Integrated Science Center. Rishfeld spoke about his childhood, experience and rescue from the Vilna Ghetto established by Nazi Germany in Lithuania.
Chabad Rabbi Mendy Heber gave the opening remarks.
“If we just keep on reminding ourselves that we have to show up for one another despite our differences, despite how we think or how we look, and bring a shared purpose, we truly embrace the concept of tikkun olam, which is bringing goodness and kindness into this world,” he said.
Haber then introduced Rishfeld.
Rishfeld’s story began when family friends rescued him from the Vilna Ghetto. They then raised Rishfeld as their own, hiding him from the Nazis until he was miraculously reunited with his parents years later.
Once the war ended, Rishfeld and his parents relocated to the United States. He described witnessing antisemitism and racism. Rishfeld said this experience helped him understand the importance of sharing his story.
Joseph Onanuga, Rishfeld’s nurse, cares for Rishfeld during such talks and events. Onanuga said the intention is also to dispel harmful narratives about the Holocaust’s legitimacy.
“The message is that people just have to be conscientious about the reality of what happened,” Onanuga said. “It’s not a myth, it’s not a fairy tale or Hollywood’s creation. It’s something that happens that people need to be aware of.”
Rishfeld addressed the growing denial and skepticism surrounding the Holocaust.
“When somebody says to you [that] it never happened, they’re just idiots,” he said.
Grace Jaye ’28 said she attended the event to better understand social attitudes toward extremist views of history.
“I really appreciated George coming to share his story because I [can] only imagine how painful those memories are,” Jaye said. “I feel like going around and sharing is such a noble thing, especially in the face of things like the rise of antisemitism and current politics of the world.”
Heber echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting the event’s ability to unite people.
“You can’t walk a block and a half without seeing divisiveness in politics, compassion,” Heber said. “But the truth is, tonight is something beyond our differences. It is what brings us together. We all share a common goal, we’re all humans, and we all share in humanity, something very, very sacred.”
Rishfeld also mentioned other global struggles.
“There are small Holocausts going on in the whole world, but not one that was documented, photographed and written about like this one,” he added.
Rishfeld said he has struggled to explain why he survived the Holocaust but eventually came to see sharing his story and combating hate speech as his purpose.
“I am grateful that I can stand here and speak, but I also know that the time is coming when fewer and fewer survivors will be able to tell their stories in person,” Rishfeld said. “The responsibility must pass to all of you.”
Grace Jaye ’28 was formerly an intern of The Flat Hat but did not join staff.
