The Holocaust as it unfolded in Italy.

On October 15th, SSILL welcomed Ira Kleinfeld, Ph.D. to talk about the Jewish experience in Italy. Our speaker earned his BS, MS, and Doctorate in Engineering from Columbia University.

He served as professor of Industrial Engineering and was the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies, Research and Faculty Development at the University of New Haven. There he initiated UNH’s annual Holocaust Remembrance event and continues to chair its planning committee as Professor Emeritus.

The Italian Jewish Community was distinct, its origin traceable over 2000 years as the Arch of Titus in Rome illustrates. The Holocaust had a monumental impact not only on Italian Jewry but on all of Italy as well as the Roman Catholic Church.

One of the most interesting parts of the presentation were the video snippets of Jewish Italian Holocaust survivors sharing their personal experiences during this time.  One SSILL member stated, “Well researched background information, I learned a lot.”  Another member exclaimed, “Excellent; need to have a follow-up!”

There are still some spots left for Sanctuary Kitchen on November 6th.  Please visit Guilford Community Center to Register, or Register right here on our website.