Mayor Gary Christenson attended the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston’s Yom HaShoah 2026: Boston’s Community Holocaust Commemoration on April 15. The annual ceremony serves as a day of remembrance for the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust and this year posthumously honored two Malden residents, William “Bill” Dempsey and Ralph M. Leach, both World War II veterans and liberators of Dachau concentration camp.
The recognition highlights the contributions of local individuals to one of history’s most significant events. Remembering their actions is important for preserving historical memory and educating future generations about the impact of the Holocaust.
Dempsey, who died in 2024 just before his 100th birthday, left Boston College to enlist in the U.S. Army at the start of World War II. He served with the 42nd Infantry Division, participating in key battles such as the Battle of the Bulge and earning a Bronze Medal for bravery after halting a German attack on his company. On April 29, 1945, his squad played a crucial role in opening Dachau’s gates and liberating its prisoners—an experience that stayed with him throughout his life. After returning home to Malden, he became an educator and principal within Malden’s school system.
Leach was born in Bangor, Maine but made Malden his home after marrying Norva from Malden; together they raised their son there. He joined the Army’s 45th Infantry Division following high school graduation and was injured during service but returned to support Dachau’s liberation in May 1945. In later years he moved to Seattle to be closer to family before passing away in 2024 at age 98.
The event also featured an essay contest honoring Israel “Izzy” Arbeiter—a Holocaust survivor who lost most of his family yet rebuilt his life with wife Anna after emigrating to America. Arbeiter spoke several times at Malden High School about remembering those lost during the Holocaust before passing 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.”
This commemoration underscores efforts by community leaders and organizations like JCRC to ensure stories from survivors and liberators remain part of public consciousness.
