On March 19, 1944, the Nazis took control of Hungary, and a ghetto was formed in Debrecen where the Jews were forced to live. Many young women fled during this time, but Noémi stayed with her family. Within weeks of the formation of the ghetto, her father was deported, along with other work-able men, to a slave labor camp. Two months later, Noémi, her mother Julishka, her sister Erzsébet, 6 month old baby brother, Gábor, and her grandmother, Nina, were deported to Auschwitz, where they arrived on July 1, 1944. 

Noémi and her father were the only members of her family to survive the war. With this piece of glass Noémi is remembering her family, including all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins who died during the war.

From Generation to Generation (Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew and English), designed by Rainer Waldman Adkins. The Book of Knowledge out of which the Tree of Life grows …to be shared and passed on from generation to generation.

Each year, the Board of Directors of the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center presents its Excellence in Holocaust Education Award, recognizing the efforts of an individual who, through his or her actions, furthers the teaching of the Holocaust and its lessons. 

Noémi Ban is a recipient of the 
2004 Excellence in Holocaust Education Award

In presenting this award to Mrs. Ban, the Center is recognizing her longtime and enormous contribution to statewide Holocaust education. Mrs. Ban has been instrumental in ensuring that the Holocaust not be forgotten not only in her community, but statewide and nationally. Each year Mrs. Ban shares her experiences with thousands of students. She has done so in a manner that has lead young and old to examine and understand what it means to be a responsible member of society. 

Mrs. Ban is a role model for today’s youth. She goes beyond speaking about the tragedy of the past; and has translated the sorrow of her loss of her family- her “dear ones” into action. She is recognized as a passionate advocate for civil rights, diversity and social justice. Her words and actions have profoundly shaped the work of professors such as Dr Ray Wolpow and programs here at Western Washington University and Gonzaga University to name just two schools of higher education. 

Mrs. Ban has been visiting schools, civic and church groups to teach the lessons of the Holocaust. In a year she may speak in more than 120 schools in several counties in Washington State. Now she will reach even more students through her recently published book, written with Dr. Ray Wolpow, called Sharing is Healing . This wonderful book is a first in a Holocaust book- being accessible for young readers. This book is included in each of our Holocaust Teaching Trunks created for elementary, middle and high school classrooms. The book is more than a memoir; it truly is a gift of love. 

Mrs. Ban, you personify the mission of the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center… teaching and learning for humanity.