Holocaust survivors honored by City Council, Mayor
By ALAN SMASON
Five Holocaust survivors who have made New Orleans their home for decades, a generation that is losing members exponentially due to old age and disease, were honored Thursday, December 20 in special ceremonies at the opening of the regular meeting of the New Orleans City Council. Appearing in the council chambers were Joseph Sher, Margo Berger, Ernest Holzmann and sisters Anne Levy and Lila Millen, who were all greeted by Mayor Mitch Landrieu at the conclusion of the ceremonies.
Holocaust survivors, from left, Joseph Sher, Ernest Holzmann, Councilperson Jackie Clarkson, Lila Millen, Anne Levy and Margo Berger.(Photo by Alan Smason)
Speaking on behalf of the council, vice-president Jackie Clarkson commented on “the remarkable contributions of the Jewish community” in New Orleans. “There is no greater philanthropic group, and I should know because my family has been here for many years, than our Jewish people,” Clarkson stated. “You have been one of the mainstays of the city of New Orleans.”
Clarkson, who spearheaded the drive to hold the ceremonies had hoped to have them held at the first December meeting, which would have coincided with the Chanukah celebration. However, because of various procedural matters, the recognition had to be placed on the calendar for the second meeting of the month.
Clarkson had the individual members announce their names and note from where they had come. She gave her most apt attention to Sher, who was accompanied by his son Leopold and daughter-in-law Karen. “Joseph, you have been the epitome of representing these people since 1970 and I want to thank you for letting me use you as our role model,” she continued. “I am so proud to all of you to have you as our best friend.”
Many of the Holocaust survivors, but not all, became members of the New Americans Social Club, a group that hosted social events and helped each other become better integrated into American society. Only a few of the original members are still living today.
Holocaust survivor Joseph Sher, left, with Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Congregation Anshe Sfard Rabbi David Polsky, right. (Photo by Joseph Mackey)
Clarkson noted with sadness the recent passing of fellow survivor Pola Borenstein, who had been expected to attend the earlier ceremonies. Her funeral was held earlier today. Clarkson also noted the absence of fellow survivors Eugenie Yuspeh, Leah Weil and Issac Nederman.
Millen stated that only one percent of the children caught up in the Holocaust survived and the fact that she and her sister had lived was the exception rather than the rule.
Alerted to the appearance of the Holocaust survivors in the council chamber, Landrieu made himself available for picture taking and to commend the survivors for their perseverance. His private remarks recognized their having become productive American citizens and contributing to the community at large in New Orleans.
Also in attendance at the council meeting were nearly a dozen grown children and one granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. Jewish Community Center representatives included executive director Leslie Fischman associate director Wendy Goldberg, adult program coordinator Rachel Ruth and Richard Cahn, who is the chairman of the Holocaust Committee that annually makes Yom Ha’Shoah presentations. Community sheliach Moshiko Ballas was also on hand as were Rabbis Ethan Linden and David Polsky of Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation and Congregation Anshe Sfard, respectively.
