Middle school students invited to enter Holocaust writing contest

With Holocaust survivors getting older, there are fewer each day to share their memories. In light of that, “Survival” is the theme for the fourth annual communitywide Holocaust Memorial Writing Competition, for all Pinellas County students in grades 6-8. The hope is that students will find a Holocaust survivor and tell their story.

The contest, open to the community, is sponsored by the Congregation Beth Shalom Men’s Club in Clearwater and the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg.

Entries can be in the form of essays, letters, poems or plays. There is no restriction on length or brevity. All entries must include the student’s name, age, grade, school, home phone, parents’ email address and title of entry. Deadline is March 9

First place winners for each grade will receive a $100 Israel Bond and a year membership to the Florida Holocaust Museum. Second and third place winners will receive a Jewish National Fund certificate that a tree had been planted in their honor in Israel. Winners will also be asked to participate in a communitywide Holocaust Remembrance Day observance at the Florida Holocaust Museum.

Entries can be sent or delivered to Congregation Beth Shalom, 1325 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33764; faxed to (727) 531-0789, or emailed to cbstami@tampabay.rr.com.

For more information, call the Beth Shalom office at (727) 531-1418.