| Holocaust Remembrance Association 2025 Conference Restoring Hope: Insights From the Holocaust at This Critical Hour November 14-15, 2025 |
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Antisemitism, disinformation, and cultural confusion are on the rise—the Holocaust Remembrance Association invites you to an exclusive gathering designed to restore clarity and hope. |
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| Have you always wondered how to address anti-Semitism? Have recent events left you unable to answer questions related to Israel and what is going on in the world? Would you like to be able to discuss these things with like-minded individuals? Would you like to hear from people who deal with these questions daily? Holocaust Remembrance Association (HRA18) is arranging a conference for people from Houston, Texas and for out-of-town guests. The conference will be hosted by Rozalie and Mitch Jerome, founders of the Holocaust Remembrance Association in Houston, Texas and by Dr. Susanna Kokkonen, an international Holocaust expert coming to us from Helsinki, Finland. (See attachment). Dr. Kokkonen is the author of the exhibits for the Holocaust Garden of Hope, a project of HRA18. |
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| “I invite you to join us for this informative and exciting program. At these confusing times, it is vitally important that we not only remember history but correctly identify present cultural and political trends. There is an increasing social media distortion of facts. Hate connects groups that otherwise have nothing in common. Only by equipping ourselves with knowledge can we discern current realities.” - Dr. Susanna Kokkonen |
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The conference is well-suited for community leaders, influencers, media, pastors, students and others who might benefit from this kind of program. |
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Featured Speakers & Presenters |
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Dr. Susanna Kokkonen holds a Ph.D. in Holocaust Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2004) and served as Director of Christian Friends of Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Originally from Finland, she has lectured globally—including at parliaments in Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the European Parliament—and speaks extensively about the Holocaust, antisemitism, and genocide. |
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Dr. Moshe Ya'akov Vardi is a renowned computer scientist and mathematician. He is University Professor and the Karen Ostrum George Distinguished Service Professor in Computational Engineering at Rice University, as well as a fellow at the Baker Institute. He was recently honored for his courageous advocacy against antisemitism in academia. |
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David Lawhon is Professor Emeritus of American History and Holocaust Studies at Texas A&M University at Galveston, where he also directed the Honors Program. His passion for Holocaust education stems from his father, who at age 18 served with the U.S. Army’s 49th “Rainbow” Division and helped liberate Dachau and Mauthausen concentration camps. Prof. Lawhon has taught Holocaust history for decades, served with Holocaust Museum Houston, and now works as Education Director for the Holocaust Garden of Hope, inspiring others to resist hatred and indifference. |
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Ruth Steinfeld is a board member of the Houston Holocaust Museum and president of its speakers bureau. A Holocaust survivor, she has shared her powerful testimonies in schools and events, inspiring remembrance with the message, “We cannot let it happen again.” |
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Claudia Kiesinger serves as the National Coordinator for March of Remembrance in the USA. She has participated in Holocaust Garden of Hope events and Virtual Coffee Encounters, contributing to international dialogue and education. |
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Born to Holocaust survivors in the aftermath of World War II, Paula’s life has been deeply shaped by resilience and heritage. Together with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law, she helped establish Mixed Emotions and Off the Wall Gallery, enterprises that became part of Houston’s vibrant art community, as well as The Silos, the largest art district in the U.S. |
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| Holocaust survivor Edith Jucker was only two when her mother carried her through the forests of Poland to escape the Nazis, enduring years in a Siberian labor camp before rebuilding her life after the war. Now 87, she shares her powerful story as living proof that even in the face of hate, only love endures. |
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| Born in Poland in 1945 at a former concentration camp—just one week after Auschwitz’s liberation—Morris Narunsky’s life began in the shadow of the Holocaust. The son of survivors, he spent his early years in a Displaced Persons camp before coming to America. His enduring faith and dedication to remembrance ensure that his family’s story continues to inspire new generations. |
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Born in Paris in 1937, Michael Spiegel was hidden by a Christian family after his mother sacrificed her life to save him and his sister from the Nazis. Reunited with his father after the war, Michael built a life of purpose and achievement—honoring his mother’s courage by sharing a message of faith, love, and resilience. |
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| Rozalie is the National Director of March of Remembrance Texas and founder of the Holocaust Garden of Hope. Raised in a Conservative Jewish home as the child of Holocaust survivors rescued in Hungary, she works toward healing interfaith relationships and confronting antisemitism. |
Susan is a talented painter, calligrapher, and singer/songwriter. Her work is deeply infused with the beauty of Hebrew language and Israeli culture, which inspires both her art and music. One of her signature pieces, Hope for the Future, influenced the design of the entrance gate to the Holocaust Garden of Hope. Her artwork serves as a powerful entry point for children visiting the Garden, translating messages of remembrance into accessible visual storytelling. |
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| Mitch Jerome works alongside Rozalie in leading Holocaust awareness efforts through projects like the March of Remembrance and the Garden of Hope. Together, they co-host “The Crossover” TV show and lead the Crossover Project and The Healing Room in Kingwood, TX. |
A gifted instrumentalist and songwriter, Loren brings depth and artistry to every performance. His dedication to using music as a bridge for remembrance and understanding reflects the heart of our mission. Through his talent, he creates moments that inspire reflection, unity, and hope. |
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Dr. Rachel Towns, M.D., FACOG |
Dr. Rachel Towns, an obstetrician and gynecologist serving the Kingwood, TX area through Care for Women, is a third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors. Dr. Towns also serves as Secretary and Director-at-Large for HRA18, helping to promote Holocaust awareness and education in her community. |
Sandra Young & Kim Schreck |
With voices that captivate and uplift, Sandra and Kim share their remarkable gift of song to illuminate the values of remembrance and reconciliation. Their performances echo the message of resilience and faith, reminding us of the enduring power of music to touch hearts and strengthen community. |
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| Program of Events (subject to change - please note that the final program will be sent to registered participants) Thursday - Nov. 13, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Location: Homewood Suites by Hilton Kingwood Parc Airport Area Meet & greet light reception for out-of-town guests
Friday - Nov. 14 10:30 AM - 1:00 pm Location: Walden Country Club on Lake Houston 4th Annual Beauty for Ashes Luncheon Keynote Speaker Dr. Susanna Kokkonen Honoring Jose Castellanos Descendant of Righteous Among the Nations
Friday - Nov. 14 3:00 - 4:00 pm Location: Holocaust Garden of Hope at Kings Harbor VIP Docent led Tour of the Garden for Conference Participants
Friday - Nov. 14 5:30 pm - 9:00pm Location: Homewood Suites by Hilton Kingwood Parc Airport Area Hors d'oeuvres and Shabbat Candle lighting with Judeo-Christian Shabbat Dinner. Enjoy artwork by Susan Debose Peitzman, Kiddush worship music by Sandra Young, and Kim and Loren Schroek, with Israeli Dance by Dr. Rachel Towns and Rozalie Jerome
Saturday - Nov. 15 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Location: Homewood Suites by Hilton Kingwood Parc Airport Area A Study Day, Prayer and a song, Lectures with Q&A, Buffet-style lunch, Meeting a Survivor Panel: Participants and Speakers. Optional: Dinner by Lake or Megaton Brewery, etc.
Sunday - Nov. 16 Optional: Lakewood Church or other churches |
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Conference Registration Page |
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| For conference registration, hotel information and to receive the final program please click the link in the button below. Pricing Options include:
- General Attendee - $250: includes conference attendance, all meals, materials, and sessions.
- Patron - $250 + Sponsorship Gift: includes conference attendance and sponsorship of a student or individual who otherwise could not afford to attend.
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Hotel / Lodging Booking Information |
Hotel rooms have been reserved at a special rate. The Conference Attendee Reservation is accessible by clicking the button immediately below. Please use this link specifically as copying it from one browser to another browser will remove the connections required. |
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