Ben Lesser
Ben Lesser, a Holocaust survivor, has dedicated his life to educating younger generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. Now, 80 years after surviving the Nazi regime, he travels across the country sharing his firsthand experiences to ensure history is never forgotten. Through powerful lectures, books, and his work with the ZACHOR Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, Lesser inspires students to stand against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. His commitment to education has earned him international recognition, including Germany’s highest civilian honor, the “Cross of the Order of Merit,” for his role in Holocaust remembrance.
Lesser’s mission goes beyond recounting the past—he actively fosters awareness and understanding through interactive programs, digital resources, and personal storytelling. His foundation promotes tolerance initiatives, and he frequently collaborates with schools and organizations to make Holocaust education accessible and impactful. By sharing his story, Lesser not only honors those who were lost but also empowers young people to become advocates for justice and human rights. His unwavering dedication serves as a powerful reminder that remembering history is essential to shaping a more compassionate future.
Evendale, Ohio, Community
About a dozen neo-Nazis gathered Friday February 7th on a highway overpass near Evendale, Ohio, waving swastika flags and attempting to spread their message of hate. But local residents quickly responded, confronting the group and driving them away.
Evendale, a community with a historically Black population, has long endured racial discrimination. It is located near Reading, a former “sundown town” where local ordinances once barred people of color from being out after dark. Given this history, residents say they are determined not to let hate take root again. “America needs to stand up and stop this madness because it’s only going to get more dangerous,” one community member said.
Throughout the weekend, locals and supporters from neighboring towns reclaimed the overpass, holding signs promoting unity and resistance against hate. One sign read, “My father fought the Nazis, and so will I.” Explaining why they took a stand, a local resident said, “I came here because I couldn’t just sit by and do nothing any longer. We have to fight back.”
On Sunday, faith leaders in nearby Lincoln Heights—an area directly connected to the overpass—organized a prayer vigil, calling for unity and action against hate. The event underscored the resilience of the community and its commitment to rejecting extremist ideologies.
Fred Hogan
Fred Hogan, City Councilor in Lynn, MA, woke up this past Sunday to reports of swastikas that had been painted under a bridge in his city. Determined to take immediate action, Hogan purchased red and black spray paint and headed to the bridge. “I already knew I was going to paint a heart over them,” Hogan said. “When I got there, somebody had already covered the smaller ones.”
“One says ‘Love Lynn,’ and the other one says ‘Love Lives Here.’ It’s just not good. You can’t have this stuff in our city,” said Hogan. His response serves as a powerful example of how individuals can #standuptojewishhate with positive action.
Nassau County Legislators
A road in Plainview, Long Island has been renamed in memory of Omer Neutra, an Israeli-American soldier from Nassau County, who was killed during the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel, and whose body is still being held captive in Gaza. Nassau county lawmakers unanimously voted to rename a section of Manetto Hill Road as “Captain Omer Neutra Way.”
This newly renamed road runs past the Mid-Island Jewish Community Center, where the local Jewish community has gathered to demand the return of the hostages taken during the attack. Neutra’s parents expressed their gratitude for the honor, saying the renaming will keep his memory alive in the town where he grew up. “It is so appropriate to have Omer’s name attached to a place where members of the community he loved have gathered since Oct. 7 to fight for the return of Omer and the other hostages,” his parents said.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman praised Neutra’s courage, calling him a hero who was beloved by his community. “People will see his name, they’ll look him up, and they’ll learn about his bravery,” he said.
