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Inspiring Courage, Honoring Memory, Standing Together
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A Weekend of Impact, Unity, and Unforgettable Moments!
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Message from our founders – Rozalie and Mitch Jerome
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| Shalom, dear friends!
This past weekend was a milestone in the life of the Holocaust Remembrance Association—one filled with joy, courage, learning, and deep connection. As we gathered for both the Beauty for Ashes Luncheon and the Restoring Hope 2025 Conference, our community showed up in strength, heart, and unity. And because of you, these events not only exceeded expectations—they delivered a surge of encouragement, support, and momentum for the mission entrusted to us.
We learned, we embraced our shared culture through music and dance, and we opened our hearts to the powerful testimonies that continue to guide and shape our calling. The fellowship was intimate and genuine—people meeting one another, sharing stories, standing shoulder to shoulder in the fight against antisemitism.
What encouraged me most was this: our community is ready. Ready to learn, to link arms, to defend truth, and to shine light in a world that desperately needs it.
To everyone who attended, prayed, volunteered, sponsored, donated, and brought others with you—thank you. You have helped strengthen the foundation of HRA18 as we continue growing our reach, our impact, and our capacity to educate, equip, and heal.
Let’s move forward with faith and boldness—together!
—Rozalie Jerome
Founder & President, Holocaust Remembrance Association |
Beauty for Ashes Luncheon 2025: A Celebration of Courage, Healing, and Hope
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| Our Beauty for Ashes Luncheon brought together friends, supporters, community leaders, and new partners for a powerful afternoon of remembrance and restoration. Guests experienced heartfelt worship, meaningful conversations, and inspiring testimonies—including reflections from Dr. Susanna Kokkonen, whose message reminded us of the sacred duty to confront hatred with truth and courage, as well as Shaya Ben-Yehuda, formerly of Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, whose message helped everyone to understand the importance of the work we do together.
The generosity displayed at this luncheon—through gifts, commitments, and new partnerships—provided critical funding to advance our programs and expand educational outreach across Texas. It was more than a luncheon; it was a defining moment of unity, faith, and resolve. |
Restoring Hope – the 2025 Conference: A Historic First—And a Powerful Step Forward
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| Our first-ever HRA18 conference was nothing short of extraordinary. Designed as an intimate gathering for learning and connection, the event created space for deep conversations, soul-stirring testimonies, and meaningful fellowship. Attendees experienced not only lectures, but shared culture, music, dance, and a sense of family that made every moment come alive.
The day was shaped by an extraordinary assembly of scholars, survivors, and thought leaders whose collective insight carried both truth and urgency. Prof. Moshe Vardi challenged us with a sharp analysis of identity politics and the erosion of moral clarity within American universities—calling the room to intellectual and spiritual readiness. Holocaust survivor Michael Spiegel shared his remarkable journey from hidden child in wartime France to navigating discrimination in America, honoring the sacrifice of his mother and offering a message of resilience and hope. Ruth Steinfeld, herself a survivor of Kristallnacht and the deportation to Camp de Gurs, drew powerful connections between her childhood memories and the rising antisemitism of today, reminding us how fragile and vital truth is in moments of crisis. Adding historical depth, Prof. David Lawhon wove together firsthand accounts from his father’s role as a camp liberator with the broader patterns now emerging in our world, urging attendees to let remembrance move beyond the mind and into action.
Together, these voices created an atmosphere that was electric—filled with unity, purpose, compassion, and a shared determination to stand strong against antisemitism. |
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Upcoming Events
Join us for these incredible moments of unity!
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UPSTANDERS ARISE GALA — APRIL 23, 2026 – Seating Is Limited — Reserve Early!
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| So many were unable to attend the Beauty for Ashes Luncheon because we reached maximum capacity—and we don’t want anyone to miss our next major event!
Mark your calendars for Upstanders Arise Gala 2026, hosted at the Omni Houston Hotel on April 23, 2026—an evening created to inspire, illuminate, and strengthen our shared mission!
This year’s theme, Courage, Silence, and the Stars, explores extraordinary stories that bridge earth and heaven—from the Torah scroll carried into space aboard the Challenger, to the astronaut who honored Shabbat among the stars, to the Holocaust child whose drawing of the moon still speaks today. Through these unforgettable narratives, we reflect on the silence that allowed evil to grow—and the courage that breaks it.
Capacity is limited, and demand will be high.
Secure your place early—this will be an evening you will not want to miss! |
ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE & HEALING — MAY 29–JUNE 8, 2026
Secure Your Spot – Complete the Interest Form Below!
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| Now is the time.
We invite you to walk the Land of Promise during a moment of restoration, remembrance, and renewed hope!
Join Rozalie & Mitch Jerome, The Crossover Project, and worship leaders Sandra Young and Kim & Loren Schreck for the Israel Pilgrimage of Hope & Healing: From Mourning to Dancing, a worship and study tour hosted in partnership with March of the Nations and led by teachers from Jerusalem Seminary.
Experience worship in Jerusalem, prayer on the Mount of Olives, a Shabbat evening in Ein Gedi, floating in the Dead Sea, exploring the Qumran caves, plus visits to Ashkelon, Tiberias, Be’er Sheva, and more. Meet survivors, soldiers, and spiritual leaders; share meals and stories; and join believers from around the world for the March of the Nations Conference.
This is more than a tour, it is a ministry journey of remembrance, healing, and prophetic purpose.
We are finalizing pricing now, and your input is essential. If you are interested in joining us, please complete the interest form below! |
HOLOCAUST GARDEN OF HOPE — LEGACY PAVERS
Secure a Legacy of Courage
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| Beginning in January, 20 new pavers will be added to the Holocaust Garden of Hope; a meaningful opportunity to honor a loved one, celebrate a legacy of courage, or leave your own commitment to remembrance for future generations.
These engraved pavers serve as lasting markers of hope, and quiet declarations that we choose courage over silence and remembrance over apathy. Your paver becomes part of the Garden’s living testimony, guiding thousands of visitors each year. They also mane a great Holiday Gift!
You may also choose to deepen your impact by joining the Upstander Club, where members receive our exclusive Virtual Coffee Encounter interviews and help sustain programs that educate, inspire, and activate Upstanders across our community.
Claim your paver today and help ensure that remembrance continues to move hearts—and move people to action. |
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| The success of this transformative weekend strengthened HRA18’s foundation for the year ahead. With renewed support, expanding partnerships, and more volunteers stepping forward, we are entering a new season with boldness and confidence.
Together, we will:
• Expand educational programs
• Increase community outreach
• Grow our volunteer and Upstander networks
• Strengthen our initiatives at the Holocaust Garden of Hope
• Continue confronting antisemitism with truth, compassion, and courage
This is only the beginning—and you are a vital part of it. |
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| With gratitude and hope,
Rozalie & Mitch Jerome
Founders – The Holocaust Remembrance Association |
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