70th commemoration of the deportation of the Jewish community of Rhodes and Kos to Auschwitz

This year we mark the 70th commemoration of the deportation of the Jewish community of Rhodes and Kos to Auschwitz on 23rd July 1944.

Over 2000 of our brethren were sent on that infamous journey, and 1900 regrettably perished in the concentration camps.

The flame that is the unique nature of Rodesli Jewry was however not extinguished.

Rodesli communities flourished across the oceans , in America, Africa, and Europe. Communities developed in Seattle, Atlanta, New York or Los Angeles; in Harare (Salisbury), Lubumbashi (Elisabethville), Kinshasa (Leopoldville), Johannesburg and Cape Town; but also in Brussels, or Buenos Aires and of course, in Israel our dear homeland!

On the 23rd July – we will respectfully honour the memory of our brothers and sisters who never returned.

This will be a unique possibility to demonstrate how “Good” ultimately triumphed over “Evil”.

But most of all, what will mark this event is YOUR participation as we gather from the four corners of the world on this idyllic island of roses and realize what our parents and grand parents also told us: that “the carpouz is tasty, but in Rodis …. It is so much sweeter!!!!!!”

Coming to this gathering will show that we are FOREVER LINKED to our roots.

Full program follows:

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013 – 21.00 – “Rodon» Open  Theatre, Mandraki
Film screening «Kisses to the children», Greek with English subtitles
Free Entrance

Thursday, July 25th 2013 – 21.00 – “Rodon» Open  Theatre, Mandraki
Film screening «Il viaggio piu’ lungo”, Italian with Greek subtitles

Friday, July 26th 2013
– 11.00 – Jewish cemetery, Rhodes-Kallithea Avenue
Ashkavot
– 20.00 – «Kahal Shalom» Synagogue, Medieval Town
Kabbalat Shabbat service
– 21.00 – Kabbalat Shabbat dinner, optional
To make reservations contact the community¢s office until 24/7/2013

Saturday, July 27th  2013 
– 09.00 – Kahal Shalom Synagogue, Medieval Town
Shabbat service, followed by “Beraha” brunch

Sunday, July 28th 2013
– 11.00 – Kahal Shalom Synagogue, Medieval Town
Memorial Service for the Holocaust victims of Rhodes/Kos
– 12.00 – Holocaust Memorial Site, Jewish Martyrs Square, Medieval Town
Wreath laying ceremony 

A full program is being put together and is  posted and regularly updated on the official website www.jewishrhodes.org

Attention do not forget also  to book to which of the events you are planning to participate It is very essential  for being well organized especially concerning lunch, dinner , buses…..

We will be happy  to have you with us on this important  event.

Warm regards

The  Jewish Community  Rhodes