By Sandra Scheller
LA JOLLA, California — In a remarkable display of community solidarity, over 350 people gathered at the La Jolla Library for the opening of the RUTH Remember Us The Holocaust exhibit. The event, which exceeded expectations in both turnout and emotional resonance, drew a diverse audience that included elected officials, community leaders, and, most importantly, 15 Holocaust survivors.
Among the dignitaries present were San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, El Cajon Mayor William Wells, former Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas, San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo, San Diego County Assessor Jordan Marks, San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, and San Diego Library Director Misty Jones. These leaders joined together to offer opening remarks, underscoring the significance of the exhibit and its role in fostering a deeper understanding of Holocaust history.
A particularly emotional moment came during the yellow ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Holocaust survivors, and by Irwin Jacobs and Lee Goldberg. The yellow ribbon, a symbol of solidarity with hostages around the world, added a layer of significance to the occasion, reminding everyone of the ongoing struggles for freedom and justice across the globe.
The exhibit itself, located in the heart of La Jolla Library, is designed to educate and inform visitors about the atrocities of the Holocaust while highlighting the stories of those who survived and rebuilt their lives in the face of unimaginable adversity. By showcasing these personal histories alongside the broader historical narrative, the exhibit aims to inspire reflection, empathy, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.
For those who attended, the event was a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance. “We are here not only to honor the survivors but to ensure that future generations understand the devastating consequences of intolerance and hate,” said Jacobs, a longtime advocate for Holocaust education and remembrance.
For those who were fortunate enough to attend, it was an unforgettable experience—a reminder of the past, a reflection on the present, and a call to action for the future. The La Jolla Library Holocaust exhibit is not just a space to view history; it is a space to connect with it, to learn from it, and to ensure that its lessons are never forgotten.
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Sandra Scheller is the curator of RUTH Remember Us the Holocaust exhibit
Which Library is this exhibit? Is the exhibit the same one that was in the library in Rancho San Diego? That one was an emotional exhibit and a wonderful one.