Heartwarming Stories of Helping Others

Museum of Tolerance

Eric Moed recently graduated from the Pratt Institute School of Architecture in New York. That’s when he learned that his family was saved during WWII by a righteous diplomat. Aristides de Sousa Mendes saved thousands by disobeying his government’s orders and granting visas to desperate refugees to escape into Portugal. Shortly thereafter, Aristides was punished severely for his altruistic actions—his job and his family home, the Casa do Passal, were taken away from him, and the house descended into a state of ruin.

Inspired by the story, Eric devoted his architectural thesis project to restoring that very home in Portugal with the intention of turning it into a Museum of Tolerance.

Shortly after presenting his thesis, Eric entered the UNEMPLOYEE of the Year Competition, sponsored by the UNHATE Foundation. He received a grant from the UNHATE Foundation to turn the proposal into a reality.

Three pavilions at the entrance to the Casa do Passal will be filled with materials focused on Holocaust education, the life and actions of Aristides de Sousa Mendes and the teaching of tolerance. They will tell the Sousa Mendes story, acting as a bridge between past and present, utilizing his heroic actions as an inspiration for future generations to get involved in humanitarian efforts.

The content of the pavillions was crafted closely with the Sousa Mendes Foundation, which includes direct descendants of Aristides de Sousa Mendes and the individuals whom he rescued.

The project goes well beyond the scope of a simple architectural construct. It will result in a place that imbues dignity, fosters education and ultimately echoes the deeds of Aristides de Sousa Mendes in perpetuity.

Extra Challah

Every Friday, Keren Ezras Shabbos (KES) collects surplus food from several stores. After all food items are collected, a central distribution takes place for needy recipients.

Recently, KES was contacted by a new bakery requesting that they distribute their surplus challah. Motivated by an ambitious sales plan, they had an excess of 200 challahs. Bringing extra challah to the mix required KES to redouble their distribution efforts. Nevertheless, this is precisely what the organization is all about, and so of course, they gladly took them up on their kind offer.

Extra challah was graciously offered to anyone in the area. As they were handing out the challahs, one of the volunteers noticed a 10 year old child who bashfully glanced in their direction. Working with the assumption that he might also need challah, the volunteer offered him a phone to call his mother and verify the need.

The boy happily accepted the offer and called home. A few moments later, he handed the phone back with a sad look on his face and explained that his mother did not answer because she had probably stepped out for a few minutes. Not wanting to deprive this little boy, the volunteer asked if he thought that his family needed challah. He looked to the ground and said ever so remorsefully, “Everyone in my house loves challah—there is never enough.” He was sent home with freshly baked challahs.