A Living Legacy Carly Shooster W hen I was twelve, just before my Bat Mitzvah, I was designated by Leon Schagrin, a Holocaust survivor, to represent him at the 100th anniversary in the year 2045. On that day, he will be gone, my dad will be in his 80s, and I will be 45. This is the nature of history, by choosing a young person, I can carry his living message as far as humanly possible and pass the torch to the next generation. While spending time with Leon and his wife, I inescapably am drawn to the panther tattoo that poses in a running stance on his forearm. Hypnotized by the power of the cat, while listening to him speak in a Polish accent, thick as it is authentic, he tells stories about his life. Listening, I am stunned. He endured feats I can only begin to imagine. I would expect him to be bitter, full of hate but this is the furthest thing from his de- meanor. He does, however, say boldly, “I have a complaint with God.” I don’t blame him. Where was God when his life was turned upside down? How could God condone The Holocaust or any genocide? Leon and Betty do not have kids. So when he was faced with the mortal question of every man, How to create a legacy, he decided to adopt one, me! I hope I can measure up to his standard and tell the world his profound message so aptly recounted during the 60s - Make Love, not War! Stamp out Hatred! Like Paul Revere urgently shouting of a pending battle The Horse Adjutant echoes, find a way to make peace.
Join me in 2045,
Carly Shooster
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