Holocaust Memorial Service in Wayne, New Jersey

Ashley Ritchey (IE 2009), Coordinated a Holocaust Memorial Service
November 5, 2011 at Calvary Temple International in Wayne, New Jersey. The event brought together Jews and Christians for a time of remembrance and acknowledgement of the Holocaust which took place in Europe under the Nazi regime. Dr. Susanna Kokkonen, director of Christian Friends of Yad Vashem in Jerusalem addressed the gathering. The Calvary Temple International choir and dance team performed the Israeli National Anthem, “Hatikvah,” and an offering for the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum was taken up at the end of the service.

“To me, this event was a success because of the presence of one young highschooler, Gianna, who attended the service because she was thirsty to learn more about what happened over sixty years ago and how she could stand up for what is right in the turbulent times in which we live today. So then, our goal was accomplished. We were able to educate another generation on Israel, the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, as well as to demonstrate to our Jewish community our undying love and commitment to them.” Ashley said afterward.

Pictured left are members of the community in Wayne, NJ with Dr. Susanna Kokkonen and Ashley Ritchey.


Israel Experience Scholars host faculty-student Israel panel at Regent University

IE ’11 Scholars Hadassah Mendez (left) and Rebecca Brittingham (right) came back from Israel inspired to set the record straight about what is really happening in the Middle East. Together these students, Hadassah an undergrad, and Rebecca who is in graduate study at Regent University in Virginia, hosted a panel discussion on campus that included faculty, staff and students.

The Panel discussion was focused on the Palestinian bid for statehood and how it will affect peace in the Middle East, and included a dynamic discussion between panelists with several different views on the danger or benefits of the Palestinian bid. Discussion also focused on how to support Israel as well as the Church's relationship with Israel. The panel discussion was followed by a period of robust question and answer.

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