The Columbia Holocaust Education Commission commemorated Yom HaShoah on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Beth Shalom Synagogue and on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Dreher High School and Hammond Middle School addressing more than 550 students.
After a deeply moving candle lighting ceremony dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the immense tragedy of the Holocaust, and to those who carry their message on today, our keynote speaker, Dan Grunfeld shared his family’s story.
Dan is the son of Ernie Grunfeld, basketball superstar who started out at the University of Tennessee, played in the SEC games, and went on to not only play for the NY Knicks but also to manage the team!
Ernie Grunfeld is the only son of Holocaust survivors to stand on the Olympic podium to win a gold medal! Dan shared his family’s story of triumph from the depths of the Holocaust to the height of basketball fame, as also revealed in his book By the Grace of the Game.
As Susie Goldstein, one of the co-chairs of CHEC shared as she introduced him, “This is not only a story of the painful tragedies of the Holocaust but also a poignant lesson speaking out against Anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of hate. Our goal is to move forward in our world, seeking the lessons of kindness and hope and to look for further opportunities embrace others with love!”
Dan Grunfeld spoke to Sunday school students on Sunday morning, presented to the larger community with over 225 registered attendees later in the day, and at the two schools on Monday. It was a most meaningful commemoration of Yom HaShoah.
