WEST virginia legislature

2024 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

Committee Substitute

for

Senate Resolution 6

By Senators Woodrum, Oliverio, Phillips, Caputo, Rucker, Hamilton, Woelfel, Karnes, Takubo, and Jefferies

[Originating in the Committee on Rules; reported March 8, 2024]

Honoring the life Edith Rechter Levy, Ed. D., a Holocaust survivor, and a remarkable woman, who dedicated her life to educating others about the dangers of intolerance and prejudice while inspiring efforts to create a future in which none among us will be singled out to become a victim or a persecutor.

Whereas, Edith Levy was born in Vienna 1930 and was one of the few members of her family who survived the Nazi efforts to exterminate Jewish people; and

Whereas, Edith Levy immigrated to the United States in 1956 and settled in West Virginia, where she married, raised a family, and completed her doctoral degree at West Virginia University; and

Whereas, Edith Levy never forgot her past and felt a moral obligation to share her story with students, teachers, civic groups, and anyone who would listen, in order to raise awareness of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust and to prevent such crimes from happening again; and

Whereas, Edith Levy was the founding member and driving force of the West Virginia Holocaust Education Commission and received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions including the Distinguished West Virginian Award, Commendation for Volunteer Service, and the Lifetime Achievement Award; and

Whereas, Edith Levy was a beloved member of the Jewish community in West Virginia and a role model for all who knew her, as she exemplified courage, resilience, perseverance, kindness, and devotion to her family; and

Whereas, Edith Levy passed away on November 11, 2023, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of hope and humanity that will inspire generations to come; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby honors the life of Edith Levy, a Holocaust survivor, and a remarkable woman, who dedicated her life to educating others about the dangers of intolerance and prejudice while inspiring efforts to create a future in which none among us will be singled out to become a victim or a persecutor; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Edith Levy.