www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, November 9, 2012 · 12 Woman fled the Holocaust with her family By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Imagine being five years old and losing your family, home and nearly everything you have ever known simply because of who you are. For Edith Gelbard, 80, no imagination is necessary. Gelbard's childhood was spent running from the Nazis who chased her family from their native Austria and continued to hunt them during the Second World War in Belgium and France. Gelbard told her story to about 70 people at Knox Presbyterian Church Wednesday. Gelbard is the hero of a children's book, Hiding Edith by Kathy Kacer. The book is read by students around the world and was the winner of the 2008 Hackmatack Award and the 2007 Silver Birch Award. "As survivors of the Holocaust grow older, we will eventually lose those with living memory of these tragic and cruel events," said Rabbi Stephen Wise, Shaarei Beth-El Congregation. "Events like these are crucial, for raising awareness, inspiring hope and ensuring the six million Jews who did perish in the Holocaust are never forgotten." In Conversation with a Holocaust Survivor was co-sponsored by Knox Presbyterian Church and Shaarai Beth-El Congregation. "It's apt that this event is being co-hosted by a synagogue and a church," said Rev. Sam Persons Parkes, Knox Oakville. "During the Second World War, Edith and other Jewish children were sheltered and hidden, first by the Jewish community and later by the largely Christian townspeople of a small village in France. During the most evil of times, many good people of different faiths united to make miracles happen." In Conversation with a Holocaust Survivor was presented by the Sarah & Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre as part of a series developed for the 32nd annual Holocaust Education Week (Nov. 1-8). Speaking about what happened is important, said Gelbard, as she wants people to get involved when they see something wrong and not be bystanders as many were during the Holocaust. Gelbard was born in Vienna in 1932 to a Jewish family, which she said was not extremely religious, but traditional. Her father had a good job with Siemens, but was also a semi-professional soccer player, which Gelbard said is one reason she is alive today. See Everything page 13 Annadel Spruce 2019 tips and 1000 clear lights. 7 ½' feet tall. Regularly $499.99 $ save $100 399 Just like Mother Natures... Only ours come with lights! We have the largest selection in the area with over 30 different styles to choose from. We have all the popular trees with natural looking branching, pre-lit and unlit, in a variety of colours from greens to blue-greens, white, snow covered and even upside down trees. Sizes range from table top to spectacular 12' high. Bridgeport Douglas Fir Visit Holland Park Garden Gallery to see our wonderful collection of everlasting Christmas trees. Fresh Winter Greens Our Fresh Greens are arriving daily! We have everything you need to Create Your Own Masterpiece or We Can Create It For You! Premade Winter Arrangements from $ White Pine Rope $ 18ft. Regularly $12.99 20 %* off 3 different styles slim, medium & full. Size ranges from 4½ ft to 12 ft tall. Clear & MultiColour lights. % off 9.99 8.99 $ 8ft. Regularly $14.99 Birch Poles West Coast Cedar Wreath All Indoor / Outdoor Holiday Lights 29.99 $ 24". Regularly $24.99 17.99 50 Buy 1 Set, Get the 2nd Set *2nd set must be of equal or less value. BURLINGTON 2243 Fairview Street 905-639-7740 DUNDAS 294 York Road 905-628-8562 hollandpark.com Visit Effective November 9 - November 15. Selection may vary from store to sore. All specials are while quantities last, unless otherwise stated. GARDEN GALLERY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.