Senator Boucher Attends Holocaust Documentary Screening, State Commemoration of the Holocaust

State Senator Toni Boucher (in blue) listens as filmmaker Roger Lyons discusses his documentary Etched in Glass: The Legacy of Steve Ross at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Hartford – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) attended a screening on April 20th of the latest film by local documentary writer, director, and producer Roger Lyons at the Legislative Office Building. The documentary was shown before the state’s 40th Annual Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony.

Etched in Glass: The Legacy of Steve Ross tells the story of a Jewish boy from Poland who came to the United States after being liberated by American soldiers from a concentration camp. Ross went from timid orphan to licensed psychologist who spent 40 years in the Boston area mentoring at-risk youth and encouraged them to pursue an education.

“Roger Lyon’s film about Steve Ross is so uplifting,” Sen. Boucher said. “It’s incredible to know that someone could endure such abhorrent actions, perpetrated by their fellow man and not turn bitter or lash out at the world. In fact, Steve Ross used this horrible experience to motivate his life’s work in helping others.”

Sen. Boucher said the documentary captured Mr. Ross’ interactions with young people and how they responded to his story. She said this supports her efforts to pass a bill that would require all public high schools to teach the history of the Holocaust and other incidents of genocide.

“You could see that hearing about his life under Nazi rule and his efforts to combat racism here in the United States really resonated with young people,” she said. “Steve Ross is changing minds and changing lives. We must continue his efforts to prevent this evil chapter in human history from repeating itself.”

Sen. Boucher invited Roger Lyon to show his film before the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut’s 40th Annual Holocaust Commemoration ceremony. She said she hopes it added to the importance of the ceremony for those who attended.

Senate Bill 452, An Act Concerning The Inclusion Of Holocaust And Genocide Education And Awareness In The Social Studies Curriculum, is on the Senate calendar awaiting action.

Sen. Boucher represents the communities of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.