Letters to the Editor
Remembering Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising stands out as an unprecedented moment in history and should be eternally remembered. The uprising took place during one the darkest periods of the Holocaust from April 19 to May 16, 1943. The ghetto, established by the Nazis in 1940, held over 400,000 Jewish men, women and children in horrific conditions with regular and systematic murders.
The uprising began when the Nazis attempted to deport the ghetto residents to concentration and death camps during the Passover holiday. Young fighters, armed with nearly no supplies, fiercely resisted, engaging in a last-stand battle. Despite being heavily outnumbered and entirely outgunned, the fighters held out for almost a month, inflicting casualties on the Nazis and delaying their plans to destroy the ghetto.
Mordechai Anielewicz and other young Zionists played a pivotal role in the uprising as the leaders of the resistance, organizing the fighters and securing supplies. The duration of the uprising was a testament to the tenacity and determination of the Jewish fighters, lasting almost as long as the French army held out against the Nazis. Although the uprising ended in inevitable defeat with the ghetto set ablaze it remains a proud moment of Jewish bravery.
On April 25 we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising with the raising of a special flag at Worcester City Hall - the Jewish star flag that was held by the fighters once again flew proudly inspiring the unwavering spirit of resistance against death and oppression.
Steven Schimmel, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Central Mass.
Worcester
Gardening Club beautifies schools
To beautify the Worcester Public Schools is one of the goals of the Gardening Club, comprised of sixth graders from Worcester Arts Magnet. Last October, they raked the leaves, dead-headed the flowers and planted tulips.
The students learned the difference between perennial and annual, and were amazed with the discoveries. Dennis created a rainbow while watering the plants, Ariana and Nylia were amazed with the tulip bulbs. Ciera said it was a dream come true planting basil seeds recycled from another plant, and when Jonathan planted a mum flower, he noted that he never touched dirt like that before. This is “once in a lifetime,” he said to his friends as they walked into the “Secret Garden.”
We were able to work outside without any snow until December when our club ended. Seeing the student and parent faces when they see the flowers is worth a million dollars. I hope all the Worcester Public Schools encourage their students to plant flowers or vegetables. Starting in pre-K, I think children should learn the importance of planting trees, vegetables and flowers.
The healthiest and best things for us start at home. Anyone can plant in a pot at their house or apartment during all seasons. Let’s all plant! I want to particularly mention and thank Principal Mrs. Scanlon and Assistant Principal Mrs. Maloney from WAMS! We couldn’t have done it without them! Children and flowers, great combination!
Ismenia Gardner
Worcester
Remember the writers behind the screen
As someone in contact with many striking writers, I know that the West and East Coast divisions of the WGA represent roughly 30,000 writers across the country. I’m sure the perception of being a writer for any film or TV show is that they make as much money as the stars and producers when in reality, half the guild makes bare minimum wage. You’re probably not making above that unless you are an industry veteran.
Right now they’re fighting not only to raise their wages to something decent for themselves, but so future generations can live too, because right now it’s not a living wage for most.
Think of how many of your favorite shows are on Netflix, Disney+, HBOMax, etc. Those didn’t exist 15 years ago, and “streaming” is presently considered YouTube ads that last mere seconds, not the hours of entertainment that Ted Lasso, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The Mandalorian offer, which also don’t run for as long as a network season, turning writers who should be making a steady income into gig workers akin to dog walkers and babysitters.
It’s not just the Writers Guild of America, but many workforces worldwide are going on strike to be paid what they’re worth. And they’re not fighting to get the CEO’s salary, just to have a sustainable lifestyle. So remember just how many people it takes to put your favorite movie or tv show together and the writers are at the heart of it.
Justin Avery Smith
Shrewsbury
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Letters to the Editor
