Photo credit: Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati
Submitted by Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati
In 2018 Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati (JCGC) launched a heartfelt initiative to honor Holocaust Survivors buried in Cincinnati’s Jewish cemeteries. The organization is placing a special, durable marker at the graves of Survivors. These markers are a tribute to those who endured the horrors of the Holocaust, ensuring their stories are remembered for generations to come.
Under the leadership of past Board President Raphael Warren, himself a child of Survivors, committee members, Henry Fenichel (Holocaust Survivor), Gail Ziegler (survivor advocate), Sandy Kaltman (child of Survivors) and Alan Brown, worked hard to create the marker and identify Holocaust survivors in our cemeteries. Board member Alan Brown, with input from the committee, designed the unique marker. Sandy Kaltman, trustee emeritus, and husband, John Isidor, graciously funded the project, so markers can be provided free of charge to Survivors in JCGC cemeteries. The Holocaust survivor markers were first introduced at the 2024 Yom HaShoah commemoration. Many families have already granted permission, and dozens of markers have been placed. However, there are hundreds more Survivors to honor. JCGC has worked with local rabbis, agencies and trustees to identify Survivors and connect with families, but more help is needed.
Seeking Descendant Information
Board President Karen Zanger emphasized, “Graves are the property of the deceased person’s family and out of respect we are attempting to get permission from as many as we can before proceeding with placing the markers on their graves. We are also trying to respect the wishes of Survivors who may have wanted privacy regarding their experiences.”
JCGC is ready to place these markers but needs the community’s help to locate descendants who can authorize the placement. “Our list of known or likely Holocaust Survivors buried in our cemeteries is very long, and in order to simply find a descendant or other family member, we’re asking for the community’s help,” explained Board trustee Izar Spivak.
JCGC aims to secure as many permissions as possible by the end of 2025. However, we recognize that many descendants of Holocaust Survivors may no longer reside in the area or may have passed away. If we are unable to obtain permission for certain individuals, we intend to proceed with placing a marker on their graves. Our goal is to install all remaining markers from our list in the spring of 2026, with the support of dedicated community volunteers.
How You Can Help
If you can help connect JCGC with descendants or are a family member of Holocaust Survivors buried in our cemeteries, and can grant us permission, please reach out to Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati. Every piece of information, no matter how small, can help us reach families and secure permission. Your support will help us honor the memories of Holocaust Survivors in our community.
