אל על | אטמוספירה

Magazine I Exhibition

The Humans of the Holocaust The Humans of the Holocaust project was created by photojournalist Erez Kaganovitch, himself the grandson of a Holocaust survivor. Geared towards the younger generations, the exhibition showcases 40 portraits that reveal life stories full of optimism and human connection. A traveling exhibition, the Humans of the Holocaust, is currently showing in Bavaria, Germany, before later moving on to various museums and campuses in the USA / By Adi Shalom

Rita Berkowitz | Holocaust survivors are human beings with dreams and ambitions “In beauty pageants contestants are always asked what their message to the word is. Unlike other beauty queens, I don’t ask for world peace. Rather, I want to convey a simple message: that Holocaust survivors are far more than their forced title. Holocaust survivors are not only a living monument with a Holocaust number tattooed on their arms. They are Humans with dreams and ambitions that against all odds, managed to survive the inferno they were thrown into. Most of us managed to rebuild our lives, create new families, and live fulfilling lives. My decision to participate in the Miss Holocaust Survivor beauty pageant symbolizes for me my conscious decision to wake up every morning and live my life to the fullest”.

With inspiration and optimism, The Humans of the Holocaust project offers a fresh perspective on the experiences of Holocaust survivors, showcasing individual stories of how the human spirit can overcome even the most inhumane circumstances. “The project is not a ‘traditional Holocaust project’, says the artist and photographer Erez Kaganovitz, “instead, it invites viewers to engage deeply with the human stories behind the history. Through thought provoking photographs, the project sparks curiosity, aiming to better educate and inform audiences about the important lessons we must learn from the Holocaust. The stories and images are both inspiring and unexpected, conveying a message that transcends cultural boundaries. The pictures and stories have a global message you don’t have to be Jewish to engage with. It provides a powerful opportunity for people to gain a deeper understanding of the dangers of antisemitism and blind hatred, inspiring them eventually to become better human beings. Dugo Litner | Finding humor in the darkest place on earth “The Nazis did everything they could to break down our human spirit, so the only thing I could do to maintain my Humanity was to try to use my sense of humor and to make myself and the people around me happy.

If not for my sense of humor and the hope that my father is waiting for me at home, I’m sure I would have run directly to the electric fence and killed myself on the spot. This is exactly the reason why I’m posing with a yellow-colored balloon in the shape of the yellow badge with the word “Jude” written on it, on a background of a brick wall... I’m reclaiming the symbol that turned me into a subhuman being and turning it into an optimistic and smiling creation. When I tell my story in front of a crowd, I don’t skip the moments of despair. It’s all there. But I emphasize that life prevails. After all, one of the most important mitzvahs in Judaism is to be constantly happy! This is my life’s motto: Am Yisrael Chai Vekayam VMabsoot! (The people of Israel is alive, endures, and is happy)”.

Dugo Litner

26 ATMOSPHERE APRIL 2025