Accolades for Dr. Aharon Weiss

Congratulations to our JDC colleague, Dr. Aharon Weiss who recently received the very prestigious, “Blessed Holy Martyr Omelian Kovch Award” for his remarkable efforts to promote Holocaust education for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. Aharon works as JDC’s coordinator of community programs in the former Soviet Union and as an adviser at the JDC-supported Tkuma Center for Holocaust Studies in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. His work with Tkuma extends beyond the lessons of the Holocaust as he is committed to fostering a greater understanding and sense of tolerance between different generations, cultures, and religions in both Ukraine and Poland.

The Kovch award is a fitting recognition as Omelian Kovch, a Ukrainian Greek-Catholic priest, is a renowned symbol of Holocaust resistance. During the occupation of Ukraine, he rescued, hid, and helped Jews escape; however, his noble efforts resulted in his capture by the Nazis and his eventual death in a concentration camp. Even while he was held in the camp and facing the end of his life, he continued to serve as a spiritual leader to his fellow prisoners.

This honor serves as a reminder of the deep importance of Aharon’s work with both Tkuma and JDC. Mazal Tov, Aharon!