UMKC EVENT TO FEATURE HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR — Holocaust survivor Judy Jacobs, an alumna with two graduate degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, will share her experiences of war and its aftermath at a special event April 19 at the university.
After Germany occupied Hungary in 1944, Jacobs (MBA ’77, Ph.D. ’86) and her family were placed in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp when she was 7 years old. She lost many loved ones in the gas chambers of Auschwitz. When she and her parents were freed, she was sent off — young, alone and scared — to boarding school while her parents attempted to rebuild their lives.
In 1946, Jacobs and her family moved to the United States. Despite everything they had experienced, her parents passed on their belief in the importance of education and Jacobs went on to college. Jacobs came to UMKC to earn her MBA and a Ph.D. in higher education administration and completed her degrees while working and raising a family. Today, Jacobs utilizes her education and her experiences during World War II to teach others about the Holocaust.
For overcoming significant obstacles to achieve her success, Jacobs will be presented with the university’s Defying the Odds Alumni Achievement Award for 2016.
She will share her story, “Memories of a Child: Life Before, During and After the Holocaust,” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 19 in Room 218 of Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry St., Kansas City, Missouri. Free and open to the public, this speaking engagement is co-sponsored by the UMKC’s School of Education and Henry W. Bloch School of Management.
For registration and parking information visit umkcalumni.com/jacobs-memories or call 816-235-6173.
HELP JEWS IN ARGENTINA — When Argentina’s economy came crashing down in 2000, creating poverty among many who previously were middle to upper class, Kansas City’s Neshei Chabad partnered with Bahia Blanca, Argentina, a small city located 500 miles south of Buenos Aires. During that time, Blumah Wineberg says the community’s rabbi and his wife helped people with food and medicine. “This continued for many years. Even as the economy has picked up, the need remains. As a sister city, we try to send funds before Rosh Hashanah and before Passover, so that every Jewish family will be provided for.” So Neshei Chabad is calling upon the Jewish community of Kansas City to help the impoverished Jews of this seaside community. “At this time, the Rabbi is undergoing a personal medical emergency, making it more difficult for them to raise the necessary funds themselves. The unity of the Jewish people is legendary and at this crucial time for Bahia Blanca, they appreciate all the help they can get from K.C.,” Wineberg added. She said Neshei Chabad’s goal is to raise $5,000. Checks can be made out to: Neshei Chabad of KC, and sent to 6201 Indian Creek Drive, Overland Park, KS 66207.
CALLING ALL JEWS WITH SCOTTISH HERITAGE — The Jewish community of Glasgow, Scotland, is looking for those with a family connection to that city. Its Jewish cemetery needs urgent, extensive renovations so that it can be brought to a condition that respects the departed now and in the future. The Jewish community of Glasgow has embarked on a major project to do the necessary work, but the community is now one-fifth of the size it was at its height and cannot complete the project without substantial funding. Those who may be descendants of Glasgow Jews are invited to visit the website glasgowhebrewburialsociety.org where more details of the project can be found. Donations can be made at the website as well. For information, contact .