(KINGWOOD, TX) – On Sunday, the Holocaust Remembrance Association (HRA18) successfully hosted the March of Remembrance Houston 2025, an inspiring event bringing together community leaders, dignitaries, and participants to honor Holocaust survivors, confront antisemitism, and promote a message of remembrance and reconciliation. While guests and attendees remained dry under event tents during ceremonies in spite of the rainy forecast, many participants and volunteers braved the rain during setup, the walk, and tear-down, demonstrating their dedication and resilience.
March of Remembrance Houston
- Date: January 26, 2025
- Time: 2:00–5:00 PM
- Location: Holocaust Garden of Hope, 1660 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Kingwood, TX 77345
March of Remembrance – Background Information
Holocaust Garden of Hope – Background Information
Photos from the Event (via Kimberly Ballard Photography)
March of Remembrance Houston
The day’s events began at noon with a Legacy Luncheon at Raffa’s Waterfront Grill, where VIP guests gathered to reflect on the day’s mission and tour the Holocaust Garden of Hope with a docent-led exploration of its exhibits.
The afternoon continued with the Partnership Lake Houston Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Road Sign Dedication, led by Cara Bayete, Director of Business Development. The ceremony formally opened Exhibit 3 of the Holocaust Garden of Hope, titled “The Web of Deception – Politics & Propaganda.”
The March of Remembrance began with a stirring procession led by the American Foreign Legion and the Corps of Cadets from Texas A&M Galveston, with a Presentation of Colors by Flaming Arrow District Boy Scouts and a special dance performance by the CBM Dance Team and Dr. Rachel Towns, dancing to “Let the People of Israel Live (Am Yisrael Chai).” Kurt Mayer opened the event with a powerful blowing of the shofar.
Speakers and dignitaries offered inspiring messages of remembrance and hope, including:
- Mitch and Rozalie Jerome, founders of HRA18, conveyed warm greetings from Heinz Reuss, the International March of Life Director based in Tübingen, Germany, the birthplace of the Global March of Life Movement. Reuss shared, “Warm greetings to the first March of the Global March of Life Movement in the year 2025.”
- Rep. Charles Cunningham (R-Humble, District 127), who presented a proclamation from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas House of Representatives, stating, “The March of Remembrance in Kingwood serves as a fitting opportunity for residents of the Houston area to show their support for this important cause.”
- Consul Elad Shoshan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest, emphasized, “This year, more than ever, we must focus on understanding the virtue of fighting against hate and speaking up against antisemitism.”
- Scott Kammerman, Executive Director of the Friends of Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission, offered remarks on the state’s commitment to combating antisemitism.
The program featured moving testimonies and reflections:
- Holocaust survivor Ruth Steinfeld, a renowned educator and recipient of the French Legion of Honor, shared her harrowing personal story: “The last time I ever saw my mom, was her waving goodbye to me from the back of the bus… Now, I have 3 daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.”
- Claudia Kiesinger, National Director of March of Remembrance USA, provided a message of unity and remembrance.
- Rozalie Jerome shared an intimate personal testimony and led a time of reconciliation, reminding attendees of the importance of collective action and healing.
Additional highlights included:
- A presentation by David Lawhon, Texas A&M University at Galveston Professor Emeritus of American History and Holocaust Studies.
- The Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) offered by Doug Stringer, HRA18 Advisory Board Member, and Steve Finkelman of Congregation Beth Yeshurun.
- A law enforcement announcement by Lt. Steve Cruz, Pct. 5 Constable of Katy, Texas Patrol Division.
The day concluded with the March of Remembrance. This symbolic act united participants in solidarity, echoing the global mission of remembrance, reconciliation, and standing against antisemitism.
Through the March of Remembrance and its associated events, the Holocaust Remembrance Association continues to connect communities locally and globally, fostering a message of hope, education, and action for a brighter future.
HRA18 leaders will be attending the 10th Annual International March of Life Conference in Germany, February 14-16, 2025. The March of Life conference unites organizers, supporters and participants from many nations to strengthen the global voice for Israel. Through lectures, training, networking and prayer, the delegates receive fresh incentive and ideas on how to take action for Israel and against antisemitism.
HISTORIC / BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The March of Remembrance is part of an international movement founded in 2007 in Germany. With marches in over 400 cities across 20 nations, this initiative brings together people of all backgrounds to reflect, reconcile, and take a stand against hatred.
This event was held at the Holocaust Garden of Hope, a unique open air exhibit located along Lake Houston in Kingwood. Set in nature, this living memorial is dedicated to educating visitors and fostering meaningful conversations about resilience, courage, and the importance of standing against injustice.
