(April 27, 2012, Malibu Patch)

In honor of Holocaust Memorial Day, The MaliJew club at Malibu High School had the opportunity to hear Dina Frydman’s story of survival during the Holocaust on Thursday.

Dina was accompanied by her daughter Tema Merback, who recently published Dina’s life story “In the Face of Evil.” She is a finalist for the National Jewish Books Award. Thanks to “Mr. Malibu,” Cary ONeal, the event was filmed and can be seen on YouTube.

Going on its fifth year, The MaliJew club meets each Thursday with Rabbi Nuchie Schapiro, Youth Director at Chabad of Malibu, in Mr. Panish’s classroom to discuss all things Jewish: History, tradition, values, customs, ethics, Israel, current events, and anything else connected to this wisdom and culture.

About 75 students packed the classroom to hear Dina’s story of survival and triumph. She’s been through a lot, has gone on to raise a family, and has been blessed with children and grandchildren.

Dina has an incredibly lively and loving personality. As one could imagine, it’s extremely difficult to discuss the trauma of the Holocaust, but in addition to sharing her story she left the students with a life-message of love and tolerance.

Rabbi Levi Cunin, rabbi and co-director of Chabad of Malibu, asked in the closing moments, “What is your message for these young men and woman here today? What would you like for them to take home?”

Dina responded: “A person does not have to love everyone they meet, but one should never hate. People are entitled to disagree, and we should be respectful of that.”