Educator, Holocaust survivor Noemi Ban honored at event on WWU campus

Western Washington University’s Northwest Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Ethnocide Education held “A Tribute Event to the Living Legacy of Noémi Ban” April 27 at the PAC Concert Hall on WWU’s campus.

For decades Ban, a local Bellingham resident, award-winning teacher, and survivor of the Holocaust, has touched the lives of many by sharing her story of survivorship, hope, and love of life. The NWCHGEE organized the tribute in order to enable community members to express their love and gratitude while Ban was still healthy and able to fully participate. The evening included never-before-seen video footage from her most recent trip to Poland; live musical performances featuring pianist Jeffrey Gilliam, violinist Swil Kanim, and local musicians; a short theatrical piece based on the story of Ban’s father; and a presentation featuring those touched, from near and far, by Ban’s message.

Since the mid 1990’s, Ban’s dedication to sharing her story has prompted her to make hundreds of visits to schools and community centers. In the last three academic years, Ban has made more than 100 trips to share her story with students, members of congregations, patients, and community members throughout Washington, California, Montana, and Canada.

Ban empowers people by recognizing them as individuals, and validates their personal experiences. Her capacity to treat everyone as an equal, and her awareness for the completely unique pain one person may carry, makes her a woman of great significance to our community.

In her lifetime, Ban has received thousands of letters from those who have heard her speak. They thank her for sharing her courage and strength, and providing inspiration. Many of the writers, most of whom are students, tell her that her story has helped bring their own strengths into perspective.