Join us for an unforgettable evening that explores courage, faith, and the enduring light of remembrance. Upstanders Arise: Courage, Silence, and the Stars will illuminate extraordinary stories of resilience—from the Torah scroll that journeyed into space aboard the Challenger, to the astronaut who honored Shabbat among the stars, to the child of the Holocaust whose drawing of the moon still speaks across generations. Through these remarkable connections between heaven and earth, we reflect on the silence that allowed evil to thrive and the courage that breaks it.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Upstanders Arise: A Night of Courage, Memory, and Hope to Illuminate Houston
Houston, TX — April 23, 2026 — The Holocaust Remembrance Association (HRA18) will host its annual gala, “Upstanders Arise: Courage, Voices, and the Stars,” on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Omni Houston Hotel.
This powerful evening will bring together community leaders, Holocaust survivors and descendants, educators, and advocates to honor moral courage and inspire action in the face of antisemitism and hatred.
A Legacy That Reaches Beyond Earth
The evening’s keynote speaker, Tal Ramon, is a musician and storyteller who carries forward a profound family legacy of resilience and hope. As the son of Ilan Ramon, Israel’s first astronaut, Tal shares a deeply personal narrative shaped by both extraordinary achievement and profound loss.
In a moving connection between Holocaust memory and space exploration, Ilan Ramon carried into orbit a drawing by Petr Ginz, a young Holocaust victim whose vision of the moon became a symbol of remembrance beyond Earth. Through music and storytelling, Tal Ramon will reflect on memory, identity, and the responsibility to build a better future.
Honoring Courage and Justice
The evening will also recognize distinguished honorees:
Dr. Dieter Heymann will receive the Courage to Act Award, honoring the legacy of his mother, recognized by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations.
Susan Myers, former longtime Director of Holocaust Museum Houston and current President of the Association of Holocaust Organizations, will receive the Champion of Justice Award.
Tal Ramon will be presented with the Guardian of Remembrance Award.
Inspiring a New Generation of Upstanders
Founded by descendants of Holocaust survivors and Christian allies, HRA18 is dedicated to educating communities, combating antisemitism, and fostering reconciliation through initiatives such as the Holocaust Garden of Hope and the Upstander Stone Project.
“An upstander is someone who takes action when they see injustice,” said Rozalie Jerome, Founder and President of HRA18. “This evening is about awakening that responsibility in every generation.”
Event Details
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM VIP Reception | 6:30 PM Dinner, Concert & Program
Location: Omni Houston Hotel, 4 Riverway Drive, Houston, TX
RSVP by: April 13, 2026
Tickets & Information: Holocaust Remembrance Association — HRA18.org
Join the Movement
Proceeds from the gala will support the Holocaust Garden of Hope, educational programs in schools, and community initiatives that empower individuals to stand against hatred and become upstanders in their own communities.
Media Contact:
Holocaust Remembrance Association (HRA18)
(888) 546-8111
HRA18.org