October 23, 2006

Children of Holocaust Survivors haunted by parents’ suffering

Toronto, ON – More than 150 adults who share a special legacy as children of Holocaust Survivors will come together at a unique conference at Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006.

Whether they were raised in a “home of silence” where parents never talked about their experiences in the Holocaust, or in a home where parents told their painful stories over and over again, there is growing evidence that either scenario can result in passed-on trauma as well as a passion for living life to the fullest.

“The level of pain and trauma in survivor families, even after 60 years, can be a huge burden,” says Paula David, senior social worker and conference coordinator. The second generation is earnestly searching for information and resources that will help them better understand how their parents’ strengths, resilience and unique suffering has affected their own upbringing, personal relationships and perspective on life.

“The adult children are also wrestling with what to do with the memories. They’re asking ‘What is my obligation to my family and to the larger community where genocidal atrocities continue in places like Rwanda and Darfur.’”

From the daughter trying to deal with the realization that her mother married her father after the war not out of love but because he could “provide her with shoes”…to the son who recalls his father’s directives to each of his children to learn and contribute to their communities to ensure a better society – those attending the conference each have unique and compelling experiences about being raised by survivor parents.

“There is a great commitment and passion about what happened to their parents and who takes on the legacy when they’re gone, and this is what’s driving them,” adds David.

The day-long conference will include keynote speakers from New York and Toronto, workshops (small discussion groups facilitated by social workers) and wrap-up discussion.

Please note: All media attending the conference MUST sign in at the registration desk and wear a “media” badge. Media may attend keynote presentations during the day; however access to the workshops is restricted to conference participants. Some second generation children have given their consent to being interviewed by media. To arrange these interviews ahead of the Oct. 29th event, or during breaks at the conference, please contact the media relations officer.

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For more information on this release or to RSVP your attendance, contact:
Kelly Connelly
Senior Media Relations Officer
Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System
Office: 416.785.2432
Pager at conference: 416.612.5494
kconnelly@baycrest.org