On May 7, 2009 the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada held their 8th Annual Holocaust Symposium at the Duckworth Centre at the University of Winnipeg. Approximately 1,100 high-school students from across Manitoba attended the prestigious symposium, made possible in part by a permanent designation from the “In Memory of the (Sam) Grosberg Family Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

The Jewish Heritage Centre welcomed Leon Leyson as this year’s keynote speaker. Leon was born in Narevka, Poland near the Russian border and moved to Krakow as a young boy. During World War II, Leon worked for Oscar Schindler and, over time, found favour in his eyes. As a result, Schindler added Leyson to his “final list.” Although his two eldest brothers did not survive the war, Leon, along with his parents, brother and sister were all saved by Schindler.

Mr. Leyson’s speech was a powerful depiction of life during the Holocaust. He emphasized how one person can make a difference, and encouraged – and inspired - students to use their voices to speak up against racial discrimination.

The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba congratulates the Jewish Heritage Centre for a very successful symposium and for their role in educating young people and their teachers about the Holocaust.