I still remember when my mom asked me if I wanted to take part in a Holocaust video project that was being created by our synagogue in Pennsylvania. Of course I did—who wouldn’t want to be in a movie! Soon after, though, I realized the movie was going to teach me much more than just how to use a boom and work a video camera.

There were 10 of us sitting in a room, listening to our congregation’s Holocaust Education Committee chairman. He said we would be interviewing three Holocaust survivors and one camp liberator. We would be writing our own questions, organizing groups to interview the different people—basically doing everything ourselves. We met about twice a month for six months, sometimes just the kids, sometimes with the survivors and sometimes even with the producer. Soon, it was filming day.

Everyone arrived at the synagogue bright and early, dressed nicely. We discussed the day’s work. There was a lot to do, and even more to learn. The 11-hour filming passed quickly. I helped interview two people that day, but not just any two people—people with amazing stories to tell. People with pasts like no one else’s. People I now consider friends.

After all the interviews were done, we worked on additional footage. We each read part of a voice-over script, giving a brief explanation of the Holocaust, which we had written together. While much of the information I already knew, I still learned a lot. We also said the Mourner’s Kaddish, adding in the names of concentration camps.

The thing I liked best was the discussion we held, which was also filmed. We sat around a big table and shared our thoughts from the day—what we liked and disliked, what we learned, what we thought was sad or interesting. Everyone really opened up and shared their feelings.

Weeks went by without any mention of the DVD. I asked my mom frequently when it would be ready, but I always knew the answer: “Soon.” Then one day when I asked, it really was soon!

We received an email letting us know the film was complete, and that it had a title:  “Zochreinu,” meaning “we remember.” The participants would be honored with an aliyah on the Shabbat closest to Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. The movie would premiere for the entire congregation the day following our aliyot. The congregation would have a question-and-answer session with the survivors and the interviewers. I was excited, but also nervous. 

Finally, the weekend came. The aliyot went smoothly—that was the easy part. But I went to bed that night, unable to fall asleep and anxious for the next day. I woke up Sunday, put on a nice outfit and walked proudly into my synagogue. The Holocaust Education Committee chairman spoke. I stood when he recognized me, as did the others, and heard many people clapping. It was time for the film to begin.

I saw my face appear on the screen and heard my voice. I watched the movie as if I had no idea what it was about. I picked up on every detail. Finally, the screen went blank. It was over. I sat stunned, hearing the clapping all around me, and I realized what had just happened—my classmates and I, and some adult congregants, had made a movie people would be watching for generations. We had done it! All the hard work had been worth it.

I then walked up onto the stage and took my seat among my friends. The audience members asked questions about the Holocaust, filming the movie, everything! I answered each question with my heart, speaking about things such as my favorite part of the project and what I thought of the final production.

This was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life. Although participating in a movie was awesome, the discussions with the liberator and survivors are what were truly special to me. I heard stories I will never forget.

The Holocaust Education Committee chairman’s vision was for the DVDs to be distributed to all b’nei mitzvah at our congregation. Later this month, I will be one of the first b’nei mitzvah to receive a DVD. I will show it to my children, since they won’t have the invaluable opportunity I had to meet Holocaust survivors. I hope they will show it to their kids, and that it will be passed on for many generations to come.

For more information about the DVD, contact Temple Sinai’s Holocaust Education Committee Chairman George Marcus at gmarcus1943@comcast.net.

Aliza Glatter, an eighth-grade student at Sandy Run Middle School in Dresher, Pa., is a member of Temple Sinai of Dresher and a student at the Jewish Community High School of Gratz College. She will become a bat mitzvah later this month.