YAD VASHEM - Holocaust Remembrance in the Shadow of Coronavirus (4-11) - Vol. 92, Summer 2020
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Holocaust Remembrance in the Shadow of Coronavirus | 4-11 Educational Activities at a Distance | 12-15 Rescue at a Price: Dilemmas of Jews Trying to Rescue Fellow Jews | 16-19 Graduate Spotlight: Liam Charles, Australia | 20-23 New Online Learning Environment War and the Holocaust: Questions about the CONTENTS Past and the Future” | 24-25 On the Right Side of the Law: Holocaust Education for Police Officers | 26-29 New Mobile Educational Unit on Holocaust-Era Rescue | 30-31 A Special Opportunity to Remember | 32-35 “She Was Deeply Loved”: Diary Kept by the Teenage Daughter of Dutch Righteous Family | 36-39 Restoration Through Investigation: The “White Bus” | 40-43 The David and Fela Shapell Family Collections Center 16 26 36 40 Ensuring Holocaust Remembrance for Future Generations | 44-46 Friends Worldwide | 47-54 Germany Renews its Support for Yad Vashem Endeavors | 55 RESCUE BY JEWS EDUCATION RIGHTEOUS COLLECTIONS RESCUE ON THE RIGHT “SHE WAS RESTORATION AT A PRICE SIDE OF THE LAW DEEPLY LOVED” THROUGH DILEMMAS OF JEWS TRYING TO HOLOCAUST EDUCATION FOR DIARY KEPT BY TEENAGE DAUGHTER INVESTIGATION RESCUE FELLOW JEWS POLICE OFFICERS OF DUTCH RIGHTEOUS FAMILY THE “WHITE BUS” On the cover: Online international campaign to recite names of Holocaust victims (6-7)
ONLINE Wreaths lain in remembrance of the Six Million, Warsaw HOLOCAUST Ghetto Square REMEMBRANCE IN THE SHADOW OF CORONAVIRUS Leah Goldstein W ith content-rich websites as well as how to engage with the recorded without an audience in eight languages, as public on this year’s Holocaust in Warsaw Ghetto Square on well as a strong social Remembrance Day and its central the Mount of Remembrance As the Mount of Remembrance temporarily closed its doors in mid- in Jerusalem. The event was media presence on a number theme of “Rescue by Jews during March due to the nationwide lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 of platforms, the basis of Yad the Holocaust: Solidarity in a broadcast with simultaneous Vashem’s educational and Disintegrating World.” translation (except for the remarks outbreak, the dedicated staff at Yad Vashem took care to preserve its commemorative efforts was of the President and Prime already in place when the Holocaust Remembrance Day Minister) into English, French, displays and collections, and concentrated on extending their reach Coronavirus pandemic hit. Ideas 2020 German, Russian and Spanish on began to emerge regarding The State Opening Ceremony Yad Vashem’s website, as well as to the public around the world with relevant, timely and captivating how to bring new programs, marking Holocaust Martyrs’ and via Yad Vashem’s Facebook page. online presentations. research and accomplishments Heroes’ Remembrance Day 2020 The ceremony comprised to interested parties worldwide, on the night of 20 April was pre- traditional elements, including 04 ONLINE ONLINE 05
ONLINE >> HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE IN THE SHADOW OF CORONAVIRUS ” “The current pandemic occupying the entire and shared in social media in different languages. Israeli singers Shiri Maimon and Shai Tzabari provided the artistic segments The campaign encouraged world, the war against a non-human, invisible and of the ceremony, which included people of all ages, from narrative pieces written by indiscriminate foe, only emphasizes our common all corners of the world, Holocaust survivor Jack Werber, obligation to human solidarity.” President Reuven Rivlin recited by Israeli actor Zohar to join this global Straus. The ceremony concluded with name-reading initiative a traditional memorial service, including the reading of a chapter and thereby help restore video remarks by Israel’s President uncompromising battle against from Psalms by Chief Rabbi H.E. Mr. Reuven Rivlin and Prime antisemitism and hatred, which the identities of the of Israel Rabbi David Lau; the Minister H.E. Mr. Benjamin also spread like an infectious Kaddish mourner’s prayer recited millions of Holocaust Netanyahu, both of whom alluded disease from one to another.” by the Rishon LeZion, Chief Rabbi to the unprecedented challenges Yad Vashem Council Chairman of Israel Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef; victims of marking Holocaust and Holocaust survivor Rabbi Israel and El Maleh Rahamim, the Jewish Remembrance Day during Meir Lau kindled the Memorial prayer for the souls of the martyrs, a national lockdown. Prime Torch, followed by Naomi delivered by Cantor Daniel Dahan. Minister Netanyahu expressed Cassuto, who spoke on behalf of Remembrance Day this year his deep condolences over the the survivors. She emotionally International Virtual Names- from your homes,” entreated Yad death of Holocaust survivors recalled the heroic efforts of her Reading Ceremony Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev. due to the Coronavirus, and father Léo Cohn, who refused to To mark Holocaust Remembrance “Help us to restore the memory recalled the recent historic Fifth save himself together with his Day this year, when public of those murdered during the World Holocaust Forum, at family in order to continue his vital gatherings were banned in Holocaust, as you do each and every which world leaders gathered rescue work, and thus became a the wake of the Coronavirus year. Although the circumstances at Yad Vashem to unite in the Holocaust victim himself. outbreak worldwide, Yad Vashem this year are unique, the message fight against contemporary During the ceremony, six torches invited the public to participate is still the same: We will never antisemitism. “You, the lighters were lit, and the stories of six in an international campaign forget their names.” of the torches of memory and Holocaust survivors – Haim Arbiv, to record themselves reciting Participants in the campaign were heroism, you represent unity in Zohar Arnon, Yehuda Beilis, Aviva the names of Holocaust victims, requested to film a short video all of its glory.” President Rivlin Blum-Wachs, Avraham Carmi and and share the video on social of themselves reciting names, concluded: “The current pandemic Lea Reuveni - were shown, each media using the hashtags initiative and thereby help restore ways - adults, children, country of and then share the video in their occupying the entire world, featuring tales of courageous acts #RememberingFromHome and the identities of the millions of origin and more. a link to names of social media with the hashtags. the war against a non-human, to help save fellow Jews during #ShoahNames. Holocaust victims – men, women Holocaust victims by country, and Yad Vashem then collected invisible and indiscriminate foe, the Holocaust. The stories and The campaign encouraged people and children. In order to facilitate a link to the Central Database of videos from all over the world only emphasizes our common videos of the torchlighters in of all ages, from all walks of life this unique project, the Yad Shoah Victims’ Names, in order to and created an online Holocaust obligation to human solidarity, to six languages were uploaded to and from all corners of the world Vashem website provided access allow a search for specific names. Remembrance Day Global Names- mutual responsibility and to the the relevant language websites to join this global name-reading to lists categorized in various “Join us and mark Holocaust Reading Ceremony. 06 ONLINE ONLINE 07
ONLINE >> HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE IN THE SHADOW OF CORONAVIRUS “As hundreds of participants A new series of online lectures postcards from his father on the shown on Yad Vashem’s Twitter aged 4-96 from over 50 countries was also launched, in several eve of WWII. feed. These individual portraits worldwide joined the campaign languages, for audiences Throughout this period, Yad of survivors were taken by world- via our five different social media worldwide. Every week, the public Vashem also intensified its renowned photographer Martin Every week, the public had the opportunity platforms, we were able to create had the opportunity to hear from outreach efforts in all its social Schoeller at Yad Vashem to two moving Virtual Name-Reading to hear from renowned Yad Vashem experts, renowned Yad Vashem experts, media platforms: on Twitter in five mark the 75th anniversary of the Ceremonies (approximately an historians and researchers languages, on Facebook in Hebrew liberation of Auschwitz, and were hour-long each) for both local historians and researchers on various on various compelling and and English, and on Instagram, featured in an exhibition at the and global audiences,” says timely topics, including a panel which resulted in increased Ruhr Museum in Essen, Germany Gabi Duec, Head of the Social compelling and timely topics discussion on Medical Ethics engagement with audiences that opened in January 2020. Media and Digital Projects and the Holocaust, Theological around the world. Accompanying the portraits are Section in Yad Vashem’s Digital Responses to the Holocaust, the Marking 75 years since VE Day - messages from the survivors Department, Communications Ramifications of the Opening of the Allied victory over Nazi for the generations to come — Division. “Politicians, diplomats, are taken from documents, Staying Connected the Vatican Archives, and a special Germany - each day for 75 days, messages of human decency and celebrities, sportspersons and testimonies, photographs and Alongside the Holocaust discussion for Father’s Day with one of the 75 portraits from the dignity, filled with hope and faith opinion-shapers from across the artifacts housed in the Yad Remembrance Day initiatives, a Henry Foner, a Kindertransport joint project “Survivors: Faces in humanity. globe, including Israel’s President, Vashem Archives and Collections. series of podcasts and survivor who received many of Life after the Holocaust” was “Many of the thousands of the German Foreign Minister, “My research and reconstruction Zoom lectures was launched as Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandberg of the lives and fates of the families the world stayed behind closed and the Israeli Maccabi basketball presented in the exhibition was doors. Topics connected to the team, all joined this unique sometimes very difficult due to Holocaust Remembrance Day international campaign.” the lack of available information,” central theme included the explains Yad Vashem Online terrible dilemmas faced by Jewish New Online Exhibition Exhibitions Coordinator Yona rescuers and their charges, Through its vast array of online Kobo. “However, undoubtedly the as well as the pressure of the material, projects and campaigns, most difficult part was dealing with developments during the war Yad Vashem endeavored to the stories of the children who as they raced against the clock bring to public attention the were murdered. As professional to save as many Jewish lives as multifaceted and complex stories as we try to be when doing this possible. Other Holocaust-based of Jewish people who took it upon kind of research, one cannot help presentations covered a range themselves, despite their own but be heartbroken at these tragic of topics, such as the origins and persecution, to lend a hand to events.” trends of antisemitism; an outline their fellow Jews. Many of the stories included in of Yad Vashem’s Names Recovery A new online exhibition entitled the online exhibition are being told efforts; the facts and politics “Rescue by Jews: ‘One for All’” for the very first time, illustrating of the liberation of Auschwitz; features eleven stories of how the content brought forth in revenge after the Holocaust; the Jews saving Jews from Belarus, these exhibitions is vital to ongoing fate of Jewish women during the Germany, the Netherlands, efforts to disseminate Holocaust Shoah; the escape to the forests; Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, France, remembrance and awareness and elderly survivors in the wake Croatia and Romania. The stories worldwide. of the Holocaust. 08 ONLINE ONLINE 09
ONLINE >> HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE IN THE SHADOW OF CORONAVIRUS Conservation During Corona checks are continuously carried During the lockdown period, out in all of the exhibition spaces: urgent preparations were made to the Holocaust History Museum, protect the Yad Vashem Artifacts the Museum of Holocaust Art and and Art Collections – invaluable other displays on the Mount of assets of Jewish heritage – the Remembrance. museological spaces and the Noga Schusterman prepares various exhibits. For this purpose, an item from the Partisans’ Display in the Holocaust a special emergency team was History Museum for storage appointed, led by Conservation Section Head Noga Schusterman, which outlined the treatment of the items and led the execution of these measures according to emergency procedures. The team, which also includes members of staff of the Artifacts and Art From the exhibition: Departments, continues to “Survivors: Faces of Life after address the issue, by visiting the Holocaust” the collections warehouses to receive new items and to review preservation and climate conditions. The emergency team drafted people in Israel and around and implemented an action the world have joined in these plan in accordance with educational and commemorative Yad Vashem also intensified its outreach emergency procedures issued activities,” said Avner Shalev. “Yad by ICOM (International Council of Vashem will of course strengthen efforts in all its social media platforms, which Museums). Items were taken from contact with them and encourage the exhibitions where they were them to continue to follow our resulted in increased engagement with on display – the Holocaust History online initiatives in order to Museum, the “Gathering the audiences around the world welcome them into our community Fragments” exhibit in the lobby of of meaningful remembrance.” the Archives and Library Building, and the rotating display case in the Visitors’ Center – and placed in storage. Other display cases were sealed against dust, and larger artifacts covered to protect them. Throughout this ongoing period, 10 ONLINE ONLINE 11
ONLINE EDUCATIONAL On the Website comprised a range of pedagogic addition, there was a playlist of Yad Vashem’s International School materials, including Yad Vashem selected testimonial films, as well as for Holocaust Studies uploaded podcasts on the subjects of Rescue a wealth of educational resources a dedicated subsite on Yad by Jews; “Operation Reinhard”; Yad in English and other languages. Vashem’s website for Holocaust Vashem’s Names Recovery Project; Among other online initiatives Remembrance Day 2020. The site and Women in the Holocaust. In for Holocaust Remembrance Day, ACTIVITIES AT A DISTANCE During the Coronavirus lockdown period, the International School for Holocaust Studies initiated online educational activities and continued special projects for Holocaust Remembrance Day through a variety of virtual platforms. 12 ONLINE ONLINE 13
ONLINE >> EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AT A DISTANCE Six new additions to the “Witnesses and Education” The IDF and Security Forces On Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ series of testimony films – produced by the Remembrance Day (21 April 2020), special commemorative activities International School – were released online, in which took place on IDF army bases across survivors recount their life stories at the locations in Israel as soldiers endured over a month in lockdown to ensure their which the events transpired health and safety. At the center of the program, IDF officers and commanders hosted special meetings around the “Kolchem Shamati” (I Heard Your Voice) anthology, which Educational Guiding learning process held by Yad includes recitation of stories from Every year, participants in “Masa,” Vashem, and then composed or the Holocaust through the use of a program for Jewish students reworked Holocaust-era poetry and testimonies, poetry, photographs, from abroad who come to work songs. The performance was staged songs and the last words of many and study in Israel, take part in Yad virtually during the University’s of the victims of the Holocaust. Vashem’s Holocaust Remembrance Holocaust Remembrance Day The program was initiated by the Day activities. This year, due ceremony to approximately 6,500 Education and Youth Corps of Holocaust survivor Moshe Ha-Elion speaks via Zoom to a International Seminars The sessions were directed to the COVID-19 outbreak, the fellow students. the IDF in cooperation with Yad group of students and teachers Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, towards teachers, their students, Educational Guiding Department at Online activities were also Vashem in April 2018. The shared in Mexico to mark Holocaust Yad Vashem had to cancel all its the general public and Yad Vashem the International School conducted organized in both formal and reading and engaging discourse Remembrance Day 2020 planned international educational supporters in different countries. sessions via Zoom to some 4,400 informal settings for thousands that followed created a learning seminars (some 70 seminars) During the months of April, May participants in English, Russian, of teachers, students, guides and experience for over 40,000 of until the end of 2020. The staff and June, the staff from the French and Spanish. The students youth movement members across Israeli soldiers and officers that of the different desks in both the International Seminars Department learned about Rescue by Jews Israel. These groups conducted was unique and meaningful for all Jewish and international worlds performed 130 Zoom sessions for during the Holocaust – the central educational discussions on the participants. immediately turned to their over 6,000 participants from 30 theme for this year’s Holocaust complexity of rescue attempts A variety of online seminars graduates from over 30 different different countries. Topics included Remembrance Day – watched a during the Holocaust, and viewed and lectures were also conducted countries – including the US, South the Educational Philosophy of the testimonial film, and joined in a films recording the fates of throughout the country for staff six new additions to the “Witnesses America, Australia, New Zealand, International School for Holocaust discussion of last letters sent by Holocaust survivors before, during at Israel’s Fire Brigade and Prison and Education” series – produced South Africa, Turkey, France, Studies, Spiritual Resistance during Holocaust victims. and after the Shoah. Several of Services. The International School by the International School – Germany, UK, Poland and Russia – the Holocaust, Holocaust Survivor The annual “Musical Memory” these meetings included remarks sent materials to military units with were released online, in which and offered them free online Testimonies, Liberation and the project took place in collaboration by Holocaust survivors, and school digital guidance for commanders survivors recount their life stories lectures on an array of various Return to Life, Post-Holocaust with Ariel University. During ceremonies were also held to and educational staff to conduct at the locations in which the events Yad Vashem educational and Theology, Jewish Solidarity during the project, the music students commemorate Holocaust Martyrs’ educational activities in order to transpired. pedagogical topics. the Holocaust, and Rescue by Jews. participated in an educational- and Heroes’ Remembrance Day. commemorate the Holocaust. 14 ONLINE ONLINE 15
RESCUE BY JEWS A RESCUE s the Germans set about Kovner gave no reply. She returned Jewish rescue during the liquidating the Vilna ghetto to her hiding place and was caught Holocaust is a complex topic with in September 1943, Abba and killed; he reached the forest, unfathomable dilemmas in the Kovner and his United Partisan led a partisan unit fighting the unprecedented circumstances Organization fighters were escaping Germans, and is remembered as a into which the Germans thrust to the forest through tunnels Holocaust hero. But the encounter the Jews. From the difficulty to and sewers. Suddenly, Kovner’s never stopped haunting him. He grasp the Nazis’ intentions amidst mother chanced upon him. “What wondered if he should not rather constant German deception, should I do?” she asked him in be remembered as someone who AT A PRICE desperation. Sworn to secrecy for abandoned his own mother to her fear of exposing the escapees, catastrophic fate. The “Lenin” Partisan Brigade, active in the Zhetl region, Poland, during WWII Yad Vashem Archives DILEMMAS OF JEWS TRYING TO RESCUE FELLOW JEWS Dr. David Silberklang The story of the Bielous family in Zhetl (today’s Belarus) is an illustration of the unfathomable dilemmas faced by Jewish rescuers during WWII. 16 RESCUE BY JEWS RESCUE BY JEWS 17
RESCUE BY JEWS >>RESCUE AT A PRICE DILEMMAS OF JEWS TRYING TO RESCUE FELLOW JEWS 1942-1943. When the Germans Pesia and her daughter were shot, the main goal of the Uprising, the occupied Zhetl on 30 June while Zisl, Nehama and Mote all last Jews in Nowogródek sought 1941, 3,500 people, some two- managed to flee to the Lipiczanska collective rescue in the forests. thirds of the population, were Forest and join partisan units. They dug a 200-meter escape Jewish. The Germans murdered Nehama was killed in action, tunnel that extended beyond the 120 communal leaders on 23 while Mote was murdered a few perimeter fence; Chaim was one July, imposed numerous harsh days before liberation by a small of the planners. On 26 September decrees on the Jews, created a band of Germans while guarding 1943, on an almost moonless ghetto in February 1942, and shot ailing fellow partisans hiding in a night, they fled through the tunnel. 1,000 Jews on 30 April. During the bunker. Zisl joined a different unit, More than half survived, but Chaim spring and summer, Jews were was killed as he ran from the exit. constantly escaping to the forests, The tragic story of the Bielous and many prepared hideouts in family includes multi-layered anticipation of further murder rescue attempts – preparing operations. hideouts; hiding others; Yisrael and Hana Frieda Bielous Jews were constantly organizing escapes; helping (in their early 60s) and three Jews who reached the forests; of their grown children lived in escaping to the forests, protecting the wounded and ill, the town – Chaim, a bachelor and many prepared and tragic “choiceless choices.” mechanic; Pesia, married to Zisl Yet the circumstances created Kalbstein, with a four-year-old girl hideouts in anticipation and controlled by the Germans and a toddler boy; and Nehama, and their partners dictated that married to Mote Zakroiski, also of further murder rescue would be extremely limited with a toddler son. When German at best. Still, some of these rescue operations efforts yielded tangible results: and Lithuanian troops surrounded the ghetto early in the morning half the 800 Jews who fled Zhetl of 6 August in anticipation of its survived, as did more than half to the “choiceless choices” they Pages of Testimony for Nehama Zakroiski, liquidation, most of the Bielous fought Germans, rescued Jews, the Nowogródek tunnel escapees. faced, such as whom to try to Yehuda Zakroiski and Zisl Kalbstein family ran to their attic hideout, was drafted into the Red Army Most owed their survival to the save and whom to abandon, to where several neighbors joined after liberation, and fell in battle initiative, courage and dedication the fear of the oft-implemented them. Chaim reported to the town on 19 August 1944. of other Jews. Their determination threat of collective punishment square and was sent to the forced- And Chaim? He was one of 1,000 in the overwhelming maelstrom for the actions of any individual The circumstances created and controlled by the labor camp in Nowogródek. Jews incarcerated in Nowogródek, was remarkable, and in their and the uncertainty regarding In the attic, Pesia’s and and among the 250 still alive in the grappling with inhuman and the attitudes of their neighbors Germans and their partners dictated that rescue Nehama’s toddlers began to cry, summer of 1943. Hearing about impossible choices they were, and countrymen, rescue by Jews endangering everyone. Unable the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising on indeed, heroes. remains a fraught subject. would be extremely limited at best to calm them, the adults took the their clandestine radio in a barrack The story of one family – the excruciating decision to suffocate basement, they were inspired The author is a Senior Historian Bielous family in Zhetl (Zdzięcioł; the children in order to save the to action. Unlike Warsaw, where at the International Institute for Dyatlava) in today’s Belarus – can located near vast, dense forests for Soviet partisans and to which others. Nonetheless, they were rescue was impossible in the Holocaust Research. serve as an illustration. Zhetl is that became centers of activity tens of thousands of Jews fled in discovered: Yisrael, Hana Frieda, spring of 1943 and hence was not 18 RESCUE BY JEWS RESCUE BY JEWS 19
EDUCATION GRADUATE Seventy-five years after the liberation of Europe by Allied troops, and in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide, antisemitism is once again raising its ugly SPOTLIGHT Gandel Program Graduate Liam Charles head, and Australia has not escaped this outpouring of hatred. In such a difficult environment, Holocaust education is more important than ever before. LIAM CHARLES | AUSTRALIA T he Victorian government The Hon. Daniel Andrews MP. in Australia has responded The Premier was so impressed by to the recent wave of the knowledge and commitment antisemitism in the state by of the educators present that he At the 2019 Gandel Graduate Conference, announcing that from 2020, announced his wish to find a way Melbourne Holocaust studies will be to make mandatory the teaching mandatory at all public schools, for of the Holocaust statewide. John students in Years 9 and 10. This Gandel AC immediately took the Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) was a culmination of many years lead on this vital initiative, and after local Holocaust organizations, of work by Gandel Philanthropy, a several months of delicate work, Gandel Program graduates and longtime committed partner of Yad Victoria made the announcement in a representative of Yad Vashem – Vashem in Holocaust education February 2020, officially mandating International Relations Department and the principal supporter of the Holocaust studies in the public Director at the International School Gandel Holocaust Studies Program school system. for Holocaust Studies Richelle for Australian Educators, now in its But the job is far from Budd Caplan. eleventh year. over. Spearheaded by Gandel “According to the Victorian In May 2019, the Inaugural Gandel Philanthropy, a committee was Ministry of Education, no longer Holocaust Educational Conference created to implement the mandate will teaching the Holocaust be left was held in Melbourne for Gandel with the participation of key senior to educators trying to find a way Program alumni, and was officially Victorian Education Department to incorporate it into their history opened by the Premier of Victoria, staff, the International Holocaust syllabus,” said Dr. Eyal Kaminka, Lily 20 EDUCATION EDUCATION 21
EDUCATION >> GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT LIAM CHARLES | AUSTRALIA Participants of the Gandel Program John Gandel AC immediately took the lead on this Seminar at Yad Vashem listen to vital initiative, and after several months of delicate Holocaust survivor Yehudit Kleinman, January 2017 work, Victoria made the announcement in February 2020, officially mandating Holocaust studies in the public school system Safra Chair for Holocaust Education Camperdown, Victoria, to create a and Director of Yad Vashem’s specific Holocaust unit at Year 10 International School for Holocaust Level, entitled “Holocaust Studies: Studies, who was also present at the Making Jewish Life Visible.” 2019 Conference. “Together with “During my visit to Yad Vashem the local Jewish community, Gandel in January 2020, I was struck by the Philanthropy and our Australian images at the start of the Holocaust Gandel alumni, we will work to adapt History Museum,” Charles explains. Yad Vashem teaching resources “There we encountered snippets of and lesson plans, as well as local Jewish life before the Shoah, in all resources from organizations like its rich diversity and complexity. the Jewish Holocaust Centre. This It became clear to me that any comprehensive review will result Holocaust unit should first begin and the history of antisemitism, have occurred in our major in appropriate, relevant and user- friendly tools, resources and lesson plans, which will ensure that all Victorian secondary schools are with an account of the varied Jewish communities that dotted Europe before the emergence of Hitler, rather than immediately and then moving into Jewish acts of resistance, survivor testimony, and exploring the stories of those who rebuilt their lives in Israel, cities since the 1970s, most rural townships have relatively little exposure to ethnic diversity and either exhibit hostility or ” “It became clear to me that any Holocaust unit teaching the Holocaust as it should positioning Jewish people as victims the United States and Australia – indifference to those who look should first begin with an account of the varied be taught, in order to combat and nameless corpses.” despite the terrible tragedies they and sound different. As children antisemitism and address broader The planned unit of the Gandel endured. here have minimal exposure to Jewish communities that dotted Europe before issues of racism, prejudice and Program graduate will build on “There is no doubt that there Judaism and Jewish life, teaching the emergence of Hitler, rather than immediately human rights.” the work that has already been are many challenges in teaching the Holocaust becomes more than While Holocaust education is done at Mercy Regional College on the Holocaust in a rural area, just events and stories from the positioning Jewish people as victims and nameless not yet mandatory in the Catholic twentieth century history. It will notwithstanding the recent early twentieth century; it is an sector, Gandel Program Graduate draw off the pedagogy of Yad COVID-19 pandemic and move to investigation of what civilization corpses.” Liam Charles Liam Charles will be leading the Vashem, beginning with an remote learning,” says Charles. lost when so many Jewish people push at Mercy Regional College in exploration of prewar Jewish life “Despite the great changes that were wiped out.” 22 EDUCATION EDUCATION 23
EDUCATION NEW ONLINE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ” “The teaching of the Holocaust is first and foremost an act of ongoing mental arithmetic both within and for us. In such efforts, the answers must not come before the questions.” Abba Kovner, Knesset, March 1981 “WAR AND THE HOLOCAUST: I n January 2020, the first part of a Director of the Educational Guiding Rubinstein, Ludmila Ulitskaya, Rabbi QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PAST AND THE FUTURE” new online learning environment Department at Yad Vashem’s Israel Meir Lau and Rabbi Baruch entitled “The War and the International School for Holocaust Gorin. Holocaust: Questions about the Studies. “It facilitates familiarity with The learning environment is Frederik Drachinsky Past and the Future” was launched the different outlooks regarding designed for group work in formal on Yad Vashem’s website. The the moral, historical, theological and informal educational settings, environment, initially created for and philosophical questions that as well as for individual study. Once the Jewish Museum in Moscow arise while learning about the an understanding of the different and developed in Russian and Holocaust – questions such as why views is established, a discussion English, allows online access to were the Jews persecuted by the may be created that gives thought part of the educational platform at Nazis? Were there any differences to questions that are rooted in the the Yad Vashem Learning Center – between extermination policies Holocaust but sadly remain relevant “The Center for Major Questions targeting Jews and non-Jewish today. Arising from the Holocaust.” The citizens under Nazi German rule? environment encourages discourse How can the collaboration of local The new learning environment between educators and students populations in the persecution of was created with the support of from around the world centered on Jews be explained? And what was the Genesis Foundation. pivotal post-Holocaust issues. the motivation for saving Jews? “The new learning environment The various approaches to The author coordinates Genesis is in essence an online version of the questions are presented by Programs in the Educational our Learning Centers in Jerusalem, historians and intellectuals from Guiding Department, International From the online learning environment “The War Sydney and Moscow, which Israel, Russia and the US, including School for Holocaust Studies. and the Holocaust: continue to serve as focal points Prof. Yehuda Bauer, Prof. Christopher Questions about the Past for ongoing educational discourse,” Browning, Prof. Oleg Budnitsky, Prof. and the Future” explains Masha Pollak-Rosenberg, Eliezer Schweid, Vladimir Pozner, Lev 24 EDUCATION EDUCATION 25
EDUCATION Israeli police visit ON THE the Holocaust History Museum RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW HOLOCAUST EDUCATION FOR POLICE OFFICERS I n recent years, educators at become police officers, as well as ranking police officers from the the International School for active-duty police who are seeking state of Baden-Württemberg, who Leah Goldstein Holocaust Studies have been promotion to the mid-level ranks – serve as liaisons with local Jewish working closely with the police and the German Police University, communities and institutions. forces in Germany as well as a federal-level institution for police In Israel, Yad Vashem staff have expanding programs for members officers wishing to be elevated to held over 43 seminars to date Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies is now well- of Israel’s Police Force. higher ranks. for some 3,350 police cadets In Germany, explains Dr. So far, following agreements and officers, including staff at recognized for its creative, accurate and tailor-made programs for teachers Birte Hewera, who works in the made with a number of German the Police Commissioner’s office. German Section of the European states, the International School “Every Holocaust-related activity of the Holocaust around the world. Lately, however, it has expanded Department, Yad Vashem staff has conducted six full seminars conducted by the police is part work with state-level police for cadets from North Rhine- of the value-based educational its range to other professionals, including opinion-shapers, clergy, and colleges, which train police cadets – Westphalia and Schleswig- outlook of the Israel Police Force,” members of the security forces. civilians studying for a BA in Holstein since 2016, as well as a states the Israel National Police Public Administration in order to recent special study day for high- Academy’s Guiding Division. “The 26 EDUCATION EDUCATION 27
EDUCATION >> ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW. HOLOCAUST EDUCATION FOR POLICE OFFICERS Israeli police officer in the Yad Vashem Learning Center and officers learn about everyday interactions between law enforcement officers and Jewish people during the Holocaust, as well as discussing concepts of free choice, professional dilemmas, and responsibility to the public, regardless of ethnic background. They are also provided with tools on how to deal with antisemitism on the street. However, warns Dr. Hewera, “Police aren’t teachers, so we have to tailor our approach ” “Dealing with the Holocaust raises questions of to fit with their tasks and outlook. Participants are from many different ranks and age levels, some with more specialized identity, human dignity and the protection of background knowledge than teachers, particularly regarding individual rights, as well as mutual assistance, the involvement of the police in the cameraderie, responsibility, restraint and tolerance Holocaust. And most importantly, while participants in European for the other – all of these are intrinsic to the police teachers’ seminars don’t usually particular challenge, as in every forces, greatly assists participants German police officers visit the Hall of Names in the meet Israeli educators as part other country worldwide, is to connect to the Holocaust in a Holocaust History Museum force in any country.” Israel National Police Academy of the program, German police that those serving in the Israel more personal manner, regardless usually visit the National Police Police Force come from a range of their backgrounds.” Academy in Beit Shemesh as a of backgrounds, including non- In the near future, the on the meanings of the Holocaust Israel Police views the Shoah as tolerance for the other – all of way to consolidate their learning Jewish ones,” points out Yael International School plans on is only growing,” reads a portion a central event in human history, these are intrinsic to the police and build mutual ties with their Assaraf, Head of the Security expanding the initiative to police in “Kolchem Shamati.” “The with vital national and universal force in any country.” contemporaries in the modern Forces Section in the International forces in France and Austria, as well Israel Police Force is committed ramifications. Dealing with the Police seminars in Germany, Jewish state.” School’s IDF and Security Forces as further across Europe. And as to internalizing the fact that Holocaust raises questions of of course, take on a special Back in Israel, activities organized Department. “We are sensitive the survivor generation continues Holocaust remembrance is not identity, human dignity and the responsibility given the notorious by Yad Vashem for police officers to this, and our use of Kolchem to diminish, the challenge to keep only the responsibility of those protection of individual rights, as well history of the German police range from tours to workshops, Shamati, an anthology of writings Holocaust memory relevant is who lived through it, but of all of as mutual assistance, cameraderie, during WWII. During these as well as study days focusing and music from the Holocaust we one that Yad Vashem is already us, who wish to safeguard both responsibility, restraint and sensitive training sessions, cadets on remembrance projects. “One created last year for the security embracing. “Our task in passing the present and the future.” 28 EDUCATION EDUCATION 29
EDUCATION NEW MOBILE testimonies and artifacts. Through Christian Arabs, Bedouins and Yad Vashem Mobile Education clues that appear in each suitcase, Druze. A youth group coordinator Unit Programs have also been they must put together each rescue who participated in the seminar supported by the Rosalinde and story and then try to understand explained that the power of the Arthur Gilbert Foundation; the the common denominator for all of unit lay in the plenary discussion Jazdia B. Gertner Hesed and EDUCATIONAL UNIT the narratives they encounter. They surrounding the question of what Zedaka Charity Foundation; the are also invited to characterize lay at the heart of the human act Conference on Jewish Material the challenges and motivations of rescue during the Holocaust – Claims Against Germany; and the the rescuers and survivors faced whether it was another person Municipality of Jerusalem. in various aspects of rescue: as in danger or survival until the part of organizations and the unprecedented period finally came ON HOLOCAUST-ERA The writer is the Mobile Educational underground movements, or as to an end. Development Coordinator in the private individuals. One section The new mobile educational unit Educational Guiding Department, is dedicated to Rescue by Jews – on Rescue during the Holocaust is International School for Holocaust the central theme for this year’s supported by Steven Baral, USA. Studies. Holocaust Remembrance Day. RESCUE Students are exposed to rescue attempts – from the point of view Students use the new mobile of both the rescued and from educational unit on Rescue the rescuer – such as the books during the Holocaust Jacob van der Hoden from the Netherlands drew for his daughter Lieneke. Through these books, Keren Barbash students learn about the choice of one man, Dr. Henry Kuipman, to save Lieneke and her sister. There A fter she was hidden with a classes, the students are invited to experience in the classroom than is also the moving story of the family of six, including four touch, read, research and discuss the students are familiar with.” Tashchiyan family that decided to children, Genia Zavoiner, the stories it comprises. The new mobile activity opens with hide Jewish children after surviving a seven-year-old Jewish girl from Yad Vashem has been running a short animated film developed the Armenian genocide. Belarus, raised the question of what mobile educational programs for specially for the unit. The film The new mobile unit has been it must have taken to intervene and over fifteen years,” explains Masha discusses the concept of rescue, operating since September 2019 risk one’s life for another person. Pollak-Rosenberg, Director of the and enables the construction of in classrooms across Israel. This question in particular, and the International School’s Educational the historical axis and the relevant On International Holocaust discussion of the issue of rescue Guiding Department, which created context for understanding the Remembrance Day at the end of during the Holocaust in general, the unit. “This is an experiential complexity of these kinds of acts January 2020, the unit was taught lies at the heart of a new mobile activity that is brought into the during the Shoah. at Yad Vashem to National Service educational unit developed by the schools, breaks up the students’ During the activity, students volunteers who come from a International School for Holocaust daily routines, and creates a more access “investigation suitcases,” variety of groups and minorities in Studies. Created for middle-school meaningful and atypical learning which contain pictures, documents, the country: Jews, Muslim Arabs, 30 EDUCATION EDUCATION 31
COMMEMORATION A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO REMEMBER Bar Mitzvah Lucila Gleicher and Dr. Yohai Cohen celebrant Aron Wells from the UK remembers his “twin” Aron Gotlib z”l The Yad Vashem Twinning Program was developed in order to instill the memory of Holocaust victims among Jewish youth in Israel and around the world. The young adults take part in the program at the symbolic stage of leaving childhood behind and becoming an adult – when they celebrate their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. I n June 2018, the Maskin and Stark Holocaust victim Eva Kotzover z”l Arizona and California. families from Phoenix, Arizona, from Germany, Ava Maskin chose The Maskins and Starks represent came to visit Yad Vashem to mark to perform a special dance she hundreds of families that take part the Bat Mitzvah of Ava – a talented created for the occasion together every year in the Yad Vashem Bar/ dancer, and fourth generation with choreographer Albert Blaise Bat Mitzvah Twinning Program. to Holocaust survivors. At the Katafi. Ava has since performed The young person and his/her presentation of the certificate the dance in many places, winning family participate in a special tour marking her “twinning” with awards in New York, Florida, of the Holocaust History Museum 32 COMMEMORATION COMMEMORATION 33
COMMEMORATION >> A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO REMEMBER THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH TWINNING PROGRAM and the Yad Vashem Campus, during the Holocaust, who shares remember their “twin” as they leave is conducted within the local which focuses on children and a biographical element with the their childhood behind to become a community. youth during the Holocaust. The celebrant or his/her family, such as fully-fledged member of the Jewish This is especially true today, Since 2017, Yad Vashem has allowed families that tour emphasizes in particular the first name, last name, birthday or community. as the Coronavirus pandemic challenges faced by the Jewish place of birth. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Twinning continues to restrict international cannot come to Israel to participate in the program family unit during WWII, and the At the end of the tour at Yad Program has been warmly received travel and Jewish parents the meaning of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Vashem, a respectful and sensitive by the general public, and the within their local community world over are seeking creative in Judaism and during the Shoah. ceremony is held, during which demand for these special tours ways to celebrate their child’s As part of the Twinning Program, the celebrant is presented with has risen yearly. Since 2017, Yad coming of age. The Wells family, a search is conducted in Yad a Twinning kit, which comprises Vashem has also allowed families from London, UK, decided to from families that tell of the “I wanted to raise money so that Vashem’s Online Database of Shoah a certificate confirming their that cannot come to Israel to mark Aron’s Bar Mitzvah with a enormous influence the program Yad Vashem can continue its Victims’ Names to find a “twin” participation in the program, participate in the program. The kit Zoom-style venture, in which the has made on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah amazing work teaching about the – a Jewish girl or boy murdered historical materials connected to is sent to wherever they are in the young man was twinned with Aron celebrant, and about the special Holocaust around the world,” she their “twin,” and a study pamphlet. world, and the commemoration of Gotlib z”l, who was born in Radom, and poignant ways the children said. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrant Holocaust victims in the framework Poland in 1933, and was murdered continue to remember their ‘twin.’” “It is plain to see the Yad From the twinning ceremony at also takes it upon themselves to of Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations with his mother at the age of nine. During her Bat Mitzvah Vashem Twinning Program allows Yad Vashem marking Ariella Gross’s After the online ceremony, Adam preparations in the summer of participants to take an active part in twinning with Ester Wurman z”l Wells publicized the important 2019, Ariella Gross from New York the memory of Holocaust victims, occasion and Yad Vashem’s decided to take part in the Yad and make that memory relevant to Twinning Program in a series of Vashem Twinning Program. Due their own lives as they strengthen heartwarming tweets, calling it “A to her great interest in the project, their own Jewish identity,” says Tale of Two Arons.” “Aron Gotlib’s she investigated the history of her Shaya Ben-Yehuda, Managing name and beautiful face do not family during the Holocaust, and Director of the International deserve to be forgotten to history,” found out that her grandmother Relations Division. “The Program wrote Adam. “He deserved to have had a cousin, Ester Wurman z”l, also enables family members to be his Bar Mitzvah and celebrate with who was murdered during the part of this collective memory, and his family, like millions of others. Holocaust as a child. “That is her – to pass it on to other communities, On ‘my’ Aron’s Bar Mitzvah we will she is my twin,” explained Ariella, as well as to deepen their own celebrate on his behalf, too.” “I want to give her the Bat Mitzvah ties with Yad Vashem – which all “Since 2014, over 1,000 she never had.” However, the contributes to continuation of the young men and women have commemoration of a “twin” who Jewish faith and culture.” participated in the program, was related to her did not suffice, taking an active role in passing and, with the assistance of Yad Dr. Yohai Cohen is Director of the torch of remembrance to Vashem’s International Relations the Guiding Department in the the next generations,” says Inbal Division and the American Society Commemoration and Community Kvity Ben-Dov, Director of the for Yad Vashem, Ariella decided Relations Division. Lucila Gleicher Commemoration and Community to embark upon a fundraising is Head of the Division’s Official Relations Division at Yad Vashem. campaign to support Yad Visits Section, and led the Bar/Bat “Over the years, Yad Vashem has Vashem’s efforts to teach children Mitzvah Twinning Program from received much correspondence of her age group about the Shoah. 2014 to 2019. 34 COMMEMORATION COMMEMORATION 35
RIGHTEOUS Coby Blom-de Groot (center) with Israel’s “SHE Ambassador to the Netherlands H.E. Mr. Naor Gilon (right) and Friends of Yad Vashem in the Netherlands Chairman David Simon (left). Courtesy: Embassy of Israel, Netherlands WAS DEEPLY LOVED” S o wrote Coby Blom-de Groot from Chemnitz, Germany, and in the resistance in January 1943. in the diary she kept while 1938 they married. Ria was taken in by Cornelis (Kees) her parents gave refuge to Markus and Zilla settled in de Groot and his wife Hendrieka Ruth Joaquin DIARY KEPT BY TEENAGE DAUGHTER Ria Gurfein, the infant daughter of Eindhoven, where in the summer (Riek) de Groot (née Barelds). The Markus (Max) and Zilla Gurfein. of 1942, during the German de Groot couple had a fifteen-year- OF DUTCH RIGHTEOUS FAMILY Max Gurfein was born in Poland in 1913. On his father’s advice, occupation of Holland, Zilla gave birth to premature twins: old daughter, Jacoba (Coby). Riek de Groot’s sister was active in the he went to Holland in 1931. After Robert (Robby) and his sister Ria. resistance and also hid Jews from working for some time in a factory Immediately after giving birth, Zilla their German persecutors. She ” “In spite of the difficult circumstances, Moeke looks good, all credit to Mom and Dad, who cared for Moeke like they cared for me. They have in Eindhoven, he started a hosiery merchandise business, which soon became successful. On a business trip to Leipzig, Germany, he met went into hiding with her parents. Nuns cared for the twin babies in the hospital in Eindhoven. When they were strong enough, the was the one who asked Riek and Kees de Groot to hide baby Ria. been a father and mother to her.” Zilla (née Miodezky), originally twins were hidden separately by 36 RIGHTEOUS RIGHTEOUS 37
RIGHTEOUS >>“SHE WAS DEEPLY LOVED” DIARY KEPT BY THE DAUGHTER OF DUTCH RIGHTEOUS A page from Coby de Groot’s diary marking the wartime development of Ria ” “In the midst of darkness and (Moeke) Gurfein chaos, we see that some people can rise up, and show true humanity It was not easy bringing a baby during the war years, and the from within their core.” Sonja Hemple danger of betrayal made it very dangerous as well. During the war, Coby de Groot kept a moving diary premature birth. Markus and Zilla for Ria’s parents, as a memento of had two more children after the the time their precious daughter war: Murry in 1947, and Sonja in had spent in hiding. The de Groot 1949. The diary Coby wrote for family called Ria “Moeke.” The Ria remained with the Gurfein diary contains many pictures family. Ria died at the young age and anecdotes about Moeke of 27 years, and the diary came and her development as a baby into possession of her sister Sonja, and toddler. Coby took much who cherished it her whole life. of Moeke’s care upon herself, In 2017, Sonja Hemple restored regarding her as her little sister. contact with Coby de Groot and Moeke grew up in a warm and applied for the de Groot family loving family, unaware of the war to be recognized as Righteous Cornelius, that was raging around her, or of Among the Nations for saving her Hendrieka and her biological parents, who were sister’s life. Coby de Groot, after liberation in hiding far away. “That precious diary confirmed Coby’s diary is full of anecdotes for me that Ria was not only and loving descriptions of the provided food, shelter and development of baby “Moekie,” protection, but in the arms of and Hendrieka de Groot, and their de Groot received the certificates such as the following: “She is a Cornelis, Hendrieka and Coby, was daughter Coby Blom-de Groot, and medals in March 2020 in little rascal, who can say ‘Pappa,’ deeply loved,” said Sonja Hemple belong to that extraordinary group Drenthe, the Netherlands, in the ‘Mamma,’ ‘Tate’ [Aunt] and ‘Co’ in a recent correspondence with of human beings and for that, my presence of Israeli Ambassador (Coby) if she is in the mood for Yad Vashem. “In the midst of family is eternally grateful.” to the Netherlands H.E. Mr. it. And when she sees my aunt’s herself. If she gets cheese on it, brother, Robby. Ria was returned darkness and chaos, we see that Naor Gilon and Chairman of the dog she shouts, ‘Sakka!’ (instead she first eats the cheese and then to her parents. In order to make some people can rise up, and On 18 June 2019, Yad Vashem Friends of Yad Vashem in the of Saska). She repeats everything. the bread.” the transition a little easier for show true humanity from within recognized the late Cornelis Netherlands David Simon. She climbs on everything, even on Liberation came in May 1945, the infant, Coby lived with the their core… Despite the grave and Hendrieka de Groot (Barelds) the table. She walks holding only and the de Groot couple learned Gurfeins for a while. Later, Ria and danger of their altruistic acts, they and their daughter Coby as The author is a researcher in the one hand. And her slice of bread that Moeke’s parents had survived Robby went to live in an institution are steadily driven to do what they Righteous Among the Nations. Righteous Among the Nations in the morning – she eats all by the war in hiding, as had her twin due to their disabilities from their believe is simply right. Cornelis Nonagenarian Coby Blom- Department. 38 RIGHTEOUS RIGHTEOUS 39
COLLECTIONS RESTORATION displayed for the visiting public in (Victor Uziel and Amir Levy) treatment over the years,” explains an open-air space on the Mount in a workshop in Jerusalem, Schusterman. “All of these gave us of Remembrance. Over the years, accompanied and supervised by what we required for a professional however, with weather damage Conservation Section Head Noga conservation process.” THROUGH and time, the bus began to show Schusterman and Conservator Thanks to the thorough signs of rust, cracks and fractures. Alexandra Borovok. investigation conducted by Recently, it was decided “The restoration work on the bus Evgeny Rozin from the Museums to renovate the bus. The relied on investigative research Division Artifacts Department, INVESTIGATION Conservation Section of Yad that describes its historical story, important archival information was Vashem’s Museums Division and includes the exact study of the discovered which was relevant to led the project. The work on different materials that made up the restoration of the “White Bus.” reconstructing its outer casing the original item, an assessment of At the conclusion of an was led by the Tesra Company how it was used, and the methods of investigation of the Yad Vashem, THE “WHITE BUS” Restoration of the The “White Bus” at Yad Vashem stands as tangible testimony to the rescue story Red Cross symbol on “White Bus” no. 38 of the Red Cross during the Holocaust. It recently underwent vital restoration work based on thorough investigation efforts by dedicated Museum staff. T he “White Bus” is one of Germany of dozens of such buses, them food and medical supplies. dozens of military buses in which stretchers, wide benches At the end of the war, most made by Volvo that were and medical equipment had been of the buses were returned to converted into ambulances in a installed. Tens of thousands of their original use, but a few were Red Cross operation headed by prisoners – mostly women, and conserved as ambulances, in Swedish Red Cross Vice President among them many thousands of order to tell this unique story Count Folke Bernadotte. During Jews – were brought from Germany of rescue. One of them, bus no. this operation, Bernadotte to Sweden in this so-called 38, was donated to Yad Vashem managed to ensure the release “Bernadotte Convoy,” accompanied in 1991, aided by the Israel- of Scandinavian citizens from by medical staff as well as a large Swedish Friends Association and German concentration camps – team of volunteers from the in cooperation with Volvo and the resulting in the convoy into Swedish army, who brought with Swedish Red Cross. The bus was 40 COLLECTIONS COLLECTIONS 41
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