THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 17, 2026 Page 3 Malden Heroes honored at Boston’s Community Holocaust Commemoration Special to The Advocate M ayor Gary Christenson recently attended the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston’s Yom HaShoah 2026: Boston’s Community Holocaust Commemoration. The annual event serves as a day of remembrance for the six million Jews that were killed during the Holocaust. Honored posthumously during this year’s ceremony were two Malden residents, World War II Veterans and Dachau liberators: former Linden School Principal William “Bill” Dempsey and Ralph M. Leach. Bill Dempsey, who passed away in 2024, one month before his 100th birthday, left Boston College to enlist in the U.S. Army at the start of World War II. As a member of the 42nd Infantry (“Rainbow”) Division, his first combat action was in the Battle of the Bulge. His wartime experience included singlehandedly halting the advance of a German surprise attack on his company, for which he won a Bronze Medal. On April 29, 1945, his squad RECOGNIZED | FROM PAGE 1 States and matched it against the cities and towns across the country. Taken into account were educational opportunities, accessibility to health care, cost of living and other factors. “While no city is perfect, living in one of these places may make it easier to prioritize your and your family’s well-being instead of constantly stressing over external concerns,” was the way the process was described in one online report. In a report on the website House Beautiful here are some synopses on the selected communities: Malden, Massachusetts Malden was ranked No. 5 for quality of life in the U.S., following after #4-ranked Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “It was an important city in the American Revolution, being one of the first towns to show resistance against the British Empire,” House Beautiful said. “Now, you can go there to learn histo1945 in time to support the liberation of Dachau. After the war, he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and married Norva, who was from Malden, where they raised their son, Norvin. In his final years he moved to Seattle to be with his son and grandchildren. An essay contest in honor of Holocaust survivor Israel “Izzy” Arbeiter was also a central part of the event. The contest honors Izzy’s legacy. Izzy survived the Holocaust against all odds, though he lost most of his famPictured from left to right: Doug and Mary Ann Boari, son-in-law and daughter of William Dempsey; Mayor Gary Christenson; Norvin Leach, son of Ralph Leach; and Thayer and Finn Leach, grandsons of Norvin Leach. played a key part in opening the gates and liberating the Dachau concentration camp, an experience that haunted him throughout his life. Bill was a lifelong resident of Malden, where he had a successful career as an educator and principal in the Malden school system. He and his bery, explore nature, and finish the day with a craft beer.” Malden has a population of close to 68,000. Their median household income is $102,000 and it houses three high schools. *** Cambridge, Massachusetts Cambridge was named No. 7 on the list of the best American cities for quality of life, right after #6 Kirkland, Wash. “It’s an educational hub with beautiful neighborhoods and historical architecture,” House Beautiful said. “The median household income is around $134,000, and it offers excellent walkability.” The home of Harvard University is also known for its food scene, with eclectic restaurants like The Mad Monkfish and Veggie Galaxy lining Massachusetts Avenue. If you’re more into entertainment, then Cambridge also has The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub as well as The Cantab Lounge for live music and weekly events. loved wife, Terry, raised their five children in Malden. Ralph Leach, who passed way in 2024 at age 98, was born in Bangor, Maine. He joined the 45th Infantry Division of the Army after graduating from high school. He was injured but returned to his unit in May of ily. He and his wife, Anna, also a Holocaust survivor, emigrated to the United States after the war. Izzy, who became a good friend to Mayor Christenson, spoke several times to Malden High School students about the importance of never forgetting the Holocaust. He passed away in 2021 at age 96. “I can’t think of a better way to honor two of Malden’s finest,” said Mayor Christenson. “I’m truly grateful to the JCRC for selecting Bill Dempsey and Ralph Leach for these honors.” PLEASANT ST. TAX 175 Pleasant Street, Malden Specializing in Personal Income Tax Preparation Starting at $90. Call: (781) 324-6195 J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping
4 Publizr Home