Last week, Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Brooklyn) invited students in grades three through 12 to participate in his 2016 Holocaust Memorial Creative Arts Contest.

According to a press release, the annual contest provides students with an opportunity to “reflect on the Holocaust, examine how its lessons continue to impact our lives, and express their feelings using their creative talents.”

Students will be given the chance to submit poetry, essays, and artwork. Assemblyman Cymbrowitz will sponsor the contest in conjunction with the Manhattan Beach Jewish Center, Holocaust Memorial Committee, the Lena Cymbrowitz Foundation and Project Witness to honor the victims of the Holocaust and educate students about anti-Semitism.

The Assemblyman acknowledged that “These are not easy concepts for children to understand — but by giving them a sense of what it felt like to live during the Nazis’ reign, we can instill in them a sense of compassion toward those who are oppressed and, at the same time, outrage toward those who continue to disseminate hate.”

Cymbrowitz also pointed out the fact that the generation of those who survived the Holocaust is quickly fading away.

“In the not-too-distant future, there will come a time when no one will be around to bear witness to the Holocaust,” he explained. “We need our children to inherit the memories, to share the stories, and to keep alive the terrible reality of what can and did happen when people remain silent in the face of evil.”

Originally published HERE.