Monday, January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day of activities aimed to keep the lessons of the Holocaust alive against increasing resistance and acts of hate.
It also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Last Tuesday, 90-year-old Holocaust survivor and Brooklyn resident Zoltan Maytash recounted last week his time spent at Auschwitz and the horrors he experienced at 13 years old in the notorious Nazi death camp.
Maytash spoke during a United Nations convening where Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon and his Russian counterpart, Vasily Nebenzya joined forces to mark the liberation of jews during this horrific time.
Local resident Shahar Azani attended that meeting and was so moved by Maytash's words, that he went to visit them a few days later in their Brooklyn home.
After learning that Maytash and his wife were in financial duress, Shahar Azani launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $15,000. Part of the funds will go toward refurbishing Maytash's Brooklyn apartment into a holocaust museum.
"Remembering the Holocaust is not enough. We need to remind. But more than that, to do something," said Azani. "To show that we don't only care-- but we care to make sure that it doesn't happen again; to care for those who perished but also for those who still among us, the Holocaust survivors.
"Zoltan Maytash is in need of our help."
So far, the campaign has raised a little over $14,000. Azani is asking the public for the final push to help them reach their goal.
"I believe in remembrance, but feel stronger about taking action," Azani wrote on his GoFundMe page. "I believe we must all spread good around us, as a million different lights can shine stronger than the sun. They have been through enough. Now its our time to do!"
To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, go here.
