The memories and words of Holocaust survivors mingled with the harmonies of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, IBA, soloists and choirs from Israel and the United States on September 8.

Kaddish - I am Here, a symphonic performance composed by New Hampshire resident, Dr Lawrence Siegel. Israel's official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, Yad Vashem, was the site of this historic Israeli premiere concert with an audience that included Holocaust survivors, state officials, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Sponsored by Keene State College, Kaddish was commissioned by the Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies at Keene State College, Keene, NH, in honor of its 25th anniversary, and has since been performed several times, to great acclaim, notably by the Houston Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Holocaust Museum Houston, in the premiere of a full symphonic version. At the September 8 performance, before 2200 attendees, Jan and Rick Cohen were recognized by Yad Vashem for their outstanding contributions towards the composition's creation and performances.

Named for the Jewish prayer for the dead, Kaddish - I am Here mixes music with the personal testimonies of Holocaust survivors in their own words and languages, providing a powerful window into their experiences. Artistically compelling, the piece also serves as an educational experience with an overall message against genocide, prejudice, hatred, and injustice.

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