The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Hope

A Tree Grows in White Plains

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A Young Girl’s Legacy of Hope, Courage and Resilience Honored in the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center Planting of a Sapling From Anne Frank’s Tree at the Garden of Remembrance

On June 13, 1944, Anne Frank wrote in The Diary of a Young Girl:

“It’s not just my imagination – looking at the sky, the clouds, the moon and the stars really does make me feel calm and hopeful…Nature makes me feel humble and ready to face every blow with courage!”

Imagine a teen finding solace and peace peering out at a majestic chestnut tree, and in her world famous diary expressing her love and admiration for the tree and for the many wonders of nature, and also her firm belief in the goodness of human beings and the world. And knowing Anne Frank’s ultimate fate, imagining that might break your heart.

But it also might give you reason for hope, perhaps the kind of hope Anne Frank so dearly held on to and with the utmost courage.

Anne Frank’s legacy has largely revolved around her firm faith in humankind. The focus on her love of nature may be less well known but it was always heartfelt and beautifully expressed.

To honor that legacy, The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) held a ceremony for the planting of a sapling from a tree located outside the window Anne Frank wrote about in her diary at the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains, where about 100 gathered to witness this historic event and to listen to a series of remarks surrounding the June 11 dedication.

HHREC was recently chosen as one of six organizations in the U.S. to receive a sapling by the Anne Frank Center USA.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the sapling, a living memorial symbolizing hope, courage and resilience. It is our hope that the tree stands strong for many years to come so that future generations understand its meaning and splendor,” said Millie Jasper, HHREC executive director.

In welcome remarks, the HHREC’s chairperson Michael Gyory shared that his mother was about the same age as Anne and survived Auschwitz at the same time Anne was captive there. He wondered if perhaps the two 15 year olds met…  But regardless, “They’re certainly bonded together by the horrors of the Holocaust; both transported out of Auschwitz leaving behind their mothers who would die there….  “Although times were difficult and  sometimes cruel, at least my mother  had the opportunity to see the birth of three children and eight grandchildren.  I like to think of myself as one of Anne’s children.”

Michael Gyory, chairperson, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said when he listens to the sound of children at play in the distance, he thinks of the innocence of children in that period… “and how they could not grasp what we in the adult world knew what was happening.”

“People who died in the concentration camps, Jewish and non Jewish alike, were cheated out of the joy of  life–graduations, bar mitzvahs, holy communions and confirmations,” Latimer added. “By planting a tree, which will outlive the vast majority of us, we are making a statement of hope that there is a future in which that tree will grow and flourish in the same way that the children in the distance will grow and flourish… as a matter of faith and hope.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer  Photo by Raya Cottrell Photography

While rescue didn’t come fast enough for Anne, “we do believe in the long run righteousness will prevail.”

Latimer recalled the allied armed forces who saved victims of the Holocaust. “Let that tree remind us as it grows the sacrifices made then… and rise above our own experience through the shared suffering of all of us to commit to the peace of all of us.”

Eva Wyner, Deputy Director of Jewish Affairs at the NYS Executive Chamber and a 3rd generation Holocaust survivor, shared her family’s harrowing story and offered that a sapling grown from the tree Anne Frank loved is a living memorial and a symbol of hope, resilience and the enduring human spirit. She said that she has “always s felt a visceral connection to Anne Frank due to her connection to Holland, and the parallel experiences in my own family history… I have a profound sense of gratitude to be alive today and share my grandmother’s story.”

Eva Wyner, Deputy Director Jewish Affairs at New York State Executive Chamber

In additional remarks, speakers recalled the madness and evil that overtook Holland and the impact on their families and communities. They expressed gratitude to the Anne Frank Center and to the HHREC for helping to keep Anne Frank’s legacy alive. These remarks were from Lauren Bairnsfather, CEO Anne Frank Center USA, and Fred Polak, descendant of Dutch Holocaust Survivors.

The dedication included Olivia Konteatis reading of passages pertaining to Anne Frank’s adoration of nature from The Diary of Anne Frank.

In Tales from the Secret Annex, on March 26, 1944, Anne wrote:

“How wonderful it is that no one has to wait but can start right now to gradually change the world! How wonderful it is that everyone, great and small, can immediately help bring about justice by giving of themselves!”

Following the remarks, many lined up for a chance to view and photograph the sapling and the accompanying memorial.

The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in White Plains New York that serves schools, synagogues, colleges, churches and civic centers in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley area. The HHREC Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. HHREC works with teachers and students to help schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, the HHREC has brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations to more than 3,000 teachers, and through them to thousands of students. For more information visit www.hhrecny.org call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org

Millie Jasper, Executive Director, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center with Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather, CEO, Anne Fank Center USA Photo by Raya Cottrell Photography
Assemblyman Chris Burdick and HHREC board member Daniel Weinreb
Fred Polak, child of Dutch Holocaust survivors
Reading from The Diary of Anne Frank by Olivia Konteatis
Sapling from the Anne Frank Chestnut Tree planted in a dedication from the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center at the Garden of Remembrance
 Gathering for the HHREC dedication of an Anne Frank Sapling (L to R): NY State Senator Shelley Mayer, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, NY State Deputy Director of Jewish Affairs Eva Wyner, NY State Assemblyman Chris Burdick, Anne Frank Center USA CEO Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather, Anne Frank Center USA Actor Olivia Konteatis, HHREC Board Chairperson Michael Gyory, HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper, Fred Polak, Office of the County Executive Director of Research Ellen Hendrickx, Tony Polak, Vedat Gashi, Chairman Westchester County Board of Legislators    Photo by Raya Cottrell Photography

 

Anne Frank. Photo courtesy of the Anne Frank Center USA

A Cautious Optimism Over ‘Diminished’ COVID-19 Cases Conveyed by Westchester County Executive George Latimer

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A close and unrushed ‘listen’ to George Latimer’s most recent update this week on coronavirus in Westchester offered several reasons to stay at least cautiously optimistic that infection from coronavirus is “diminishing” across the county, including in Chappaqua in the two days preceding the July 6 briefing. Chappaqua experienced a recent spike–27 cases, including 21 in Chappaqua, were tracked to the New Castle hamlet in the last two weeks–but the infection may be leveling off thanks to cautionary measures that have included a mandatory quarantine of persons impacted.

While conveying a message of hope and positivity, Latimer also issued clear warnings for continued vigilance and compliance with recommendations (social distancing/mask wear/hand washing) against the coronavirus to make sure it stays that way.

The continuous decline for two and a half months in active cases has likely been due to the act of compliance with masks in public, stressed Latimer, Westchester’s County Executive who has been providing near daily updates streamed live on Facebook and shared later in a You Tube link. The full press briefing may be viewed here https://youtu.be/ys1l09q1Uks

Coronavirus battling measures included asking business and store owners to wear masks, “influencing society. Now, it has become much more of the norm than it ever was,” he said.

On July 6, Latimer reported 527 active cases of CoronaVirus within the county.

Between March 1 (a period commonly designated as the ‘beginning of the pandemic’) and July 6,  35,084 people tested positive for Covid-19. “However, percentage-wise, there has been a little over 1% of positives as of the night on July 5. In one day, only 41 people were found to have the virus after testing almost 4000 people– indicating the spread is diminishing.”

Compared to March or April, he explained, “arguably the height of the pandemic across America, there was as much as 30% of all people tested coming in positive. But as more testing is being conducted, the percentage of those who have the coronavirus has been substantially lowering”.

More Positive Findings for Westchester

  1. Fewer hospitalizations. In addition: as of July 5 too, 29% of Westchester county residents have been tested for Covid-19, “which again, is a huge number and much higher than in other jurisdictions.” There have been fewer hospitalizations too, he shared, with 61 people having been hospitalized as of Saturday, dropping from the 70 individuals reported a week ago.
  2. Zero fatalities the night of July 5. “To top off the relatively good news, there were no fatalities on the night of July 5 and only three deaths in the recent week, ameliorating from the 30-50 deaths per day a couple of months ago in America.”

Staying cautiously optimistic, Latimer conveyed that “the past week has seen a rise and fall in cases, from the recent Chappaqua outbreak, dating back to over two weeks ago; the rise has increased to 27 positive cases that tie back to the set of activities… that include a graduation drive in ceremony and a ‘field night’ event following the graduation, both in rather large gatherings and minimal masks and social distancing.”

“Of the 27 positive cases, 21 tracked to Chappaqua, three of them tracked to Mount Kisco, two track to Bedford, and one track to Pleasantville. “As of now, there have been no new cases in the last two days that are trackable to the Chappaqua spike. If so, it is thought to be leveling off,” Latimer said. “Keep in mind, if they caught COVID that night, they would have gone through two weeks without having shown symptoms…  Of course, it’s possible that if somebody caught it, and then was further infected later, there are still some ways that the Chappaqua spread may linger on longer.”

“I think we’ve had a good response at this particular outbreak,” continued the executive. “Nothing is perfect, but we’ve gotten substantial compliance. 80-85% of the people have responded… We seem to be in a pretty good place for having understood and dealt with it.”

As for the opening of Phase 4 this week (on July 7) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, major changes are set “for allowable activity.

For outdoor and indoor arts entertainment, low-risk areas have been set to a limit of up to 50 people. As Latimer would elaborate, this would include “the traditional summer band concert in Scarsdale at Chase Park or the theatrical and concert performances that go on in the gazebo in Armonk.” Anything along these lines, while fitting the specific guidelines, will do.

As the last revealed phase of reopening, the governor still has not reopened amusement parks, health clubs, and gyms. “These will not be things that are going to be lifted in future phases; instead, there would be executive orders by the governor on that specific action or function that may happen at any point in time.”

Latimer’s briefings will continue once a week every Monday at 2 pm EST, as opposed to the daily updates Monday through Thursday, he said. Despite a recent uptick in numbers, the steady decrease throughout would mean “we would not need to do this on a regular basis,” he stated from the County Executive’s White Plains conference room.

Editor’s Note: Brian Zhang, a rising junior at Byram Hills High School, assisted in preparing this update, as a first assignment as a summer intern for the Inside Press.

 

Relay Reflections…

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… and Hope Following the 10th Annual Relay for Life of Chappaqua     

Article and Photo by Gillian Hand

On May 20th, the field in front of Bell Middle School was transformed. Tents and tables sprung up across the property as Greeley students prepared to spend the night at one of the most anticipated fundraising events of the year: the 10th Annual Relay for Life of Chappaqua. All night long, these participants would walk in support of cancer patients, raising money for research and fostering hope for a world without cancer.

The dedication to finding a cure runs strong in this American Cancer Society event, bringing communities together across the globe and right here in Chappaqua. Although no words can do it justice, this Relay for Life slogan is a true testament to the nature and goals of this inspiring event: “Celebrate. Remember. Fight back.”

2017 marked the tenth year of Chappaqua’s participation in Relay for Life. For one decade, students at Horace Greeley High School have come together to raise money for cancer research and have walked the track throughout the night in support of all those who have been touched by cancer. This year, the reconstruction of the Greeley track and field facilities prompted the event’s move to downtown Chappaqua.

While this would mark the first year that the fundraiser would be held anywhere but the Greeley property, the new location of Bell Middle School enhanced community involvement and inspired increased participation of local merchants and residents. Although the Bell facilities do not include a track, committee members from the Greeley club worked throughout the day to prepare the grounds for the fundraiser and mimic the setup of past years. While it was certainly a change from the previous events held at Greeley, the Chappaqua administration partnered with the Relay for Life of Chappaqua executive board to help ease the transition and make the event the great success it has been in the past.

I served on the Relay planning committee and executive board throughout my four years at Greeley. Behind the scenes, this dedicated Greeley club prepares for the event throughout the year, organizes the setup and cleanup of the event grounds, and works tirelessly to ensure that the night runs smoothly. It has been an honor to not only take part in such an inspiring and worthy event, but to also lend a personal hand in the successful planning and execution of the fundraiser. Each year, I have been privileged to watch the event grow and develop at every stage, present for everything from the early months of planning to the sun rising over the field after a night of walking.

Relay for Life is extraordinary. By rallying behind friends or family members touched by the disease or simply staying the night despite heavy rain or cold temperatures, these students prove themselves year after year as true supporters of the cause. It is incredible to see students, families, Greeley faculty members, and other Chappaqua residents coming together in hope and support; Relay for Life of Chappaqua has shown me how successful we can be when we unite behind a common goal. Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, and with an event like Relay, the entire community can work together to foster change and progress in cancer research. While I am looking forward to continuing my participation in college, I am excited to watch Relay for Life of Chappaqua continue to grow and succeed. 

At the time of the writing of this article, the 2017 Relay for Life of Chappaqua had raised over $170,000 for the American Cancer Society, and this number will only go up. Relay for Life is something that both Greeley and Chappaqua as a whole can be proud of.

To donate to Relay for Life of Chappaqua, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY17EA?pg=entry&fr_id=79440.

 

Inside Press Intern Gillian Hand is a senior at Greeley.

Hope, Not Hate

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Betty Knoop and her work with the Holocaust & 
Human Rights Education Center’s Speakers Bureau

Large photo: Abraham and Clara Knoop. Smaller photos: also Betty’s mother, Clara Knoop
Large photo: Abraham and Clara Knoop. Smaller photos: also Betty’s mother, Clara Knoop

Article and Photos by Marianne A. Campolongo

Anne Frank has always been one of my heroines. Armonk resident Betty Knoop, who survived the unspeakable horrors of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where Anne Frank and 50,000 others met their death, has now joined that heroine list.

Knoop, originally a Dutch citizen, grew up in Amsterdam. Though the two never met, like Frank, her childhood was cut short by the Nazis and she eventually was taken to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Unlike Frank, she survived.

Although her story is not as well known as Frank’s, hundreds of area students, civic group members, synagogue and church-goers have heard Knoop speak about her experiences over the past 45 years, most recently as part of the Speakers Bureau at the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center in White Plains. She is one of 20 survivors and liberators who share their message of hope and determination. Said Millie Jasper, the Center’s Executive Director, “You must be an ‘upstander’ not a bystander. When you see something, you need to speak up.” That is their message.

“Betty is a brilliant woman and she has a full life,” said Jasper. “Almost all of our survivors have full lives, families and no room in their lives for hate,” she adds.

This past April marked 70 years since Knoop, her parents and brother were liberated from Bergen-Belsen. Then, 14 years-old, 5’ 7” tall and weighing only 54 pounds, she has since grown into a strong, cheerful, lovely woman who still does yoga twice a week, is quick to offer a visitor coffee and hospitality, and who drives herself all over the region to share her story and a message of hope with her audience. “I should thank God on my knees every day,” she said.

She first spoke in public about her experiences 25 years after her liberation. Having asked her Rabbi at the Rye Community Synagogue to say Kaddish for her family, he asked that she speak to his confirmation class that night in return.

“How do you want me to do this?” she asked.

“Go back to your very first memories,” he told her.

Betty Knoop
Betty Knoop

“I still speak like that,” she said, recalling her childhood fears as she picked up on the anxiety of the adults around her when the Germans arrived, but then headed out to play the next minute, forgetting the anxiety as children are wont to do. “When I talk, I’m there again,” she said.

Knoop attended the Wilhelmina Catharina School in Amsterdam. Her eyes light up as she describes the “huge wooden front doors and beautiful vestibule. I thought it was chic,” she said. Although the Netherlands was neutral, nevertheless the Germans invaded, occupying the country in May 1940, when Knoop was nine. Jewish pupils were forbidden to attend school, but “my school didn’t want to give up their children.” No longer safe for them to enter through those front doors, they arrived surreptitiously via a back alley. “Classes got smaller daily because children had gone into hiding, left the country, or been picked up. We lost teachers too,” she sighed.

Three years later, Knoop’s family was taken to Westerbork in January 1943 and on to Bergen-Belsen in February 1944. As the forced evacuations of camps closer to the front began in late 1944, a barracks that held 50 people when she arrived suddenly held 1,000 people, and scarce food became nearly non-existent, she said. The crematorium there was small, so the bodies of those who starved to death were left for long periods. Records show the camp’s population went from 7,300 in July 1943 to 60,000 in April 1945. Prisoners went for days without food. When the British arrived to free them, “I looked like Olive Oyl with my head shaven. I was all arms and legs,” she said. Her mother, age 36, died just three days after they were freed. 
“I’m happy that I had my mother with me,” she said, though she is saddened that “the time I remember her best unfortunately were the war years.”

After graduating from high school at 19, her father wanted her to visit family in South Africa. “I had come from Apartheid. I didn’t want to go there,” she said. When her stepmother’s cousin invited her to New York, she jumped at the chance, vowing she would only return to Holland on vacation once she left. Coming to the U.S. in 1950, she stayed, meeting and marrying her soon after. Though surprised and distressed by race relations in the U.S., she was happy in America.

Knoop has been back to Holland many times, visiting family and friends, but even now she finds walking through the city “painful.”

Early on in the war, she told her father that she hated the Germans. Her father replied, “Hate is a word that has to go out of your vocabulary,” a lesson she took to heart.

Most of those in the Speaker’s Bureau are now in their 80s and 90s, so the Holocaust Center has a group of about 75 children and grandchildren of survivors, called Generation Forward, whom they are training to carry on their work.

Now widowed, Knoop raised her three children in Rye, but has lived in Armonk for eight years. Her son Gregg, who intends to take up his mother’s mantle and join Generation Forward, also lives in town with his wife and two sons, Zachary and Jason. Her son Henri lives in White Plains and her daughter Clara, named for her grandmother, lives in Florida.

Although she was only 12 when she was taken to the camps, and even younger when the German occupation began, Knoop says she doesn’t like to speak of her experiences to young children, believing 15 or 16 is a better age. When asked to sum up her message in a few sentences, she said, “That racism is evil. It’s always evil and it debases men.”

Marianne A. Campolongo is a freelance writer and photographer from Chappaqua, New York. Her website is www.campyphotos.com