Witness Theater is an annual program passing on the history of the Holocaust from survivors to new generations. 

Students performing with Witness Theater at Kingsborough Community College will be playing the roles of the several Holocaust survivors who are now in their 80s and 90s.

The performance is attended annually by Miriam and Rabbi Ronald Barry, who say the show is needed now more than ever.

“The stories are going to disappear as the people pass on,” says Miriam Barry.

She says it’s especially important now, with hate crimes on the rise. The NYPD says so far this year, there’s been an over 80% uptick in anti-Semitic hate crimes reported citywide, compared to the same time last year. 

“I’m feeling good about the fact that the university here and other places and students will learn about what’s going on and to be sensitive to these types of issues,” says Rabbi Barry.