By Sandra Scheller
RANCHO SANTA FE, California — Rabbi Levi and Rebbetzin Devorah Raskin of Chabad of Rancho Santa Fe on Thursday, May 30, hosted Jonny Daniels, founder of From the Depths, who spoke to a crowd of nearly 300. From the Depths is a non-profit organization that travels the world carrying a special Torah, which was hidden and partially destroyed during the Holocaust.
It is bringing that Torah back to ritual life by having Holocaust survivors from around the globe each scribe a letter. Local Holocaust survivors took their turn scribing a Hebrew letter, which they dedicated to their loved ones who perished in the Holocaust.
Each Holocaust survivor paused silently and then spoke about their family members who perished before signing. San Diego Holocaust survivors who participated were Ben Midler, Gerald Szames, Violet and Ben Gurfinkel, Lubbock Geller, and Freda Sheykhet.
Jonny Daniels, a London-born Israeli activist, has traveled the world sharing his personal stories and bonding with Holocaust survivors. He began his presentation by reciting his firsthand account of what happened on October 7, 2023, and continued detailing recent events in Israel. In a Q & A, a questioner asked how Israelis view Americans. He explained that it was important for people not to be afraid in Israel, as Israelis admire Americans and appreciate their support.
He shared a story about taxi drivers who refuse tips from Americans because they are so happy to see them there. He also mentioned that Israelis feel more afraid in the United States due to the protests they see on the streets and campuses. Additionally, he discussed the use of bombs in Gaza that create cement to fill a hole instead of exploding and killing people.
For more information or to donate visit www.FromTheDepths.org
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Sandra Scheller is the curator of RUTH: Remember Us the Holocaust, an exhibit which will wrap up in June at the Rancho San Diego Library. A refreshed exhibit is scheduled to open next January at the La Jolla Library.