Commemorations

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand presents the 2024 Annual Kristallnacht Commemorative Concert:

“WHEN THE VIOLIN FALLS SILENT - MUSIC IN HIDING”

Performed by Te Koki Trio
Inbal Megiddo (cello) Martin Riseley (violin) and Jian Liu (piano)

​

The annual Kristallnacht concert commemorates “The Night of Broken Glass,” the horrific pogrom of November 9-10 1938, across Germany, Austria, and the Sudetenland. During this atrocity, an estimated 91 Jews were killed, 30,000 arrested, 267 synagogues destroyed, and Jewish businesses looted. Kristallnacht is regarded as an historic watershed, marking the escalation of Nazi vandalism, violence, and persecution against Jews, often described as ‘the beginning of the Holocaust.’

This concert will remember the events of Kristallnacht through musical pieces by Jewish and other composers who were persecuted and perished in the Holocaust. The Nazis attempted to silence the music and art of all those they deemed Untermenschen, including six million Jews and other victimised groups. This concert allows us to hear the music of those who were murdered, forced to hide, or flee, thus remembering them and celebrating their artistic brilliance.

In the tradition of playing musical tribute to all victims of the Nazis, this year we pay homage to the music of Jewish, Romani, and LGBTQ+ victims. 

​We'll explore the powerful works of Jewish composer Walter Kaufman and violinist Alex Braun, testaments to the enduring spirit of Jewish creativity. The concert will also pay tribute to the rich musical traditions of the Romani people, passed down through generations, yet severely impacted by the tragic loss of life and cultural heritage during the Holocaust. Furthermore, we'll shine a light on the courageous stories of the LGBTQ+ community, who faced unimaginable persecution in Nazi-occupied Europe, with tens of thousands of gay men arrested, tried, and sent to concentration camps. Through music and narrative, we will remember, honour, and celebrate the diverse voices that were silenced, ensuring their legacies live on.
​

The concert will honour:

• The Gypsy orchestras in Auschwitz and Falkensee
• The violin dynasties of the Lakatos family, descendants of János Bihari – the famous “King of Gypsy Violinists”, and the six generations of violinists of the Boulanger family
• “Shony” Alex Braun, violinist and composer
• Francis Poulenc
• Robert T. Odeman
• ​Walter Kaufman

Join us for a poignant evening of remembrance, mourning, and reflection.
We look forward to welcoming you.

Doors open at 6:00 PM and the concert will begin at 6:45 PM.
Location: To Be Announced

​Click below to ticket purchase by selecting a city

---

Yom HaShoah - May 2024

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand commemorated Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day - on 5 and 6 May with moving and emotional ceremonies held in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

We marked the 80th anniversary of the deportations of Hungarian Jews one of the most horrific episodes of the Holocaust during World War II when 437,000 to 500,000 individuals were sent by the Nazis and their collaborators to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the vast majority perishing within 56 days. This campaign of destruction represented a tragic chapter in the history of the Holocaust, illustrating the depths of human cruelty and the horrors of genocide.

We welcomed our cherished Holocaust survivors and generations after survivors, diplomats, government politicians, and interfaith leaders to join members of Jewish communities.

We appreciate all who attended, coming together in collective grief and remembrance, and also our partners Auckland Hebrew Congregation, Beth Shalom, Kaye and Maurice Clark, the Wellington Jewish Community Centre and the Wellington Progressive Jewish Congregation.


"Today, we honour those lost. But tomorrow, we dedicate ourselves to building a world where difference is a source of strength, not fear. A world where every voice is heard, every culture celebrated. This is our responsibility, our legacy. This is how we ensure the echoes of devastation fade, replaced by the symphony of a just and peaceful world." - Kris Clancy, HCNZ Education Director

Auckland images Savs Photography

Wellington images Eva Kaprinay

---

UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemorations Across Aotearoa New Zealand
28 January 2024

International Holocaust Remembrance Day took place in New Zealand on Sunday, 28 January 2024.  In 2005, the United Nations designated 27 January (which this year fell on Shabbat/Saturday) the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, an annual global call to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and to work through education, documentation, and commemoration to prevent future acts of genocide.

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand was honoured and proud to host six beautiful, moving and meaningful commemorations on this day in Auckland, Hamilton, Nelson, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, most ably assisted by our volunteer regional coordinators and their teams. 

The theme of this year’s UNIHRD was “From Generation to Generation – The Future of Holocaust Education”. As we approach 80 years since the end of World War II and the Holocaust, we are quickly reaching a point where first-person accounts of the events surrounding this horrific time in history will be gone. With ever-increasing reports of rising antisemitism in New Zealand and worldwide, national civic commemorations such as UNIHRD are even more imperative with many questions being asked on how Holocaust education will change when the last survivors pass.
 
We must now be ready to act as the inheritors and living witnesses for those who can no longer speak for themselves. This theme of this year’s commemorations centred on how we take the voices of survivors and their testimonies, New Zealand’s role as an Observer Member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), and by activating concrete ways in which New Zealand can act to combat antisemitism through the voices of the generations after, with Holocaust education and by early intervention to in schools.

Honoured guest speakers and participants at the commemorations included our precious survivors, second, third and fourth-generation survivors, government Ministers, MPs, diplomats, local government councillors, Holocaust oral historians, classical music performers, graduates of the Holocaust Centre’s Inge Woolf Memorial Seminar for New Zealand Educators at Yad Vashem, and community representatives. 

MCs across the country were Deborah Hart, Chair, Holocaust Centre of New Zealand (Auckland); Nica van Woerden, teacher and 2019 Yad Vashem Seminar graduate (Hamilton), Giacomo Lichtner, Deputy Chair, Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, Associate Professor Victoria University of Wellington (Wellington); Maxine Noar (Nelson); Yasmin Sellars (Christchurch), and Kris Clancy, Education Director, Holocaust Centre of New Zealand (Dunedin).

The programme for each region featured addresses, readings, prayers, testimonies, an In-Memoriam video of Holocaust survivors who sadly died in the past year: Ruth Elisabeth Van Eden (nee Scher), Fanya (Feiga) Zeigman, and Eva Ernestine Moses (nee Becker,) all of blessed memory), stirring musical performances, and memorial candle lighting. This year, for the first time since we've held UNIHRD, all events were indoors, and there was no Makara cemetery service. His Excellency Ran Yaakoby Ambassador for Israel, Her Excellency Nicole Menzenbach, Ambassador for the Federal Republic of Germany, and Hon Chris Bishop for the New Zealand Government, placed stones on a cobblestone from the Warsaw Ghetto in the Parliament Banquet Hall, in remembrance of the victims of the Nazi regime, in honour of Holocaust memory kept alive now and for future generations, here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In all regions, we heard from graduates of the Inge Woolf Memorial Seminar for NZ Educators at Yad Vashem, and we thank them for the important work of Holocaust education they are delivering in schools across New Zealand. The full list of speakers and memorial candle lighters can be found below.  

This year’s commemorations took place against the background of the Hamas-Israel conflict.  The lessons of the Holocaust – a unique and horrific time in history - are a universal reminder of the importance of protecting the human rights of all, regardless of religion, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, or economic standing.  The Holocaust teaches us we must reject bigotry and hatred.  We must look at one another with understanding and humanity to maintain the benefits of social cohesion.  Antisemitism is fed by old stereotypes and the rise of newer prejudices, disinformation and Holocaust distortion when allowed to go unchecked.  
 
This year, as we honoured the memories of all victims of the Holocaust, we also committed to continue educating about the need to guard democracy, combat antisemitism and discrimination, and to fight for a better future for the next generation. Together, we can ensure that survivors and refugees alive today can know, without a doubt, that we will take up their mantle and continue to teach New Zealand students and communities the histories, lessons, and lives of all those affected by Nazi ideology.


2024 UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day events took place with thanks to our generous partners; the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, the Wellington City Council, and the Human Rights Commission. We appreciate their ongoing commitment to social cohesion and Holocaust memory and education.

Auckland
Photography by Sav Shulman

Louis Krukziener - Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Second Movement ‘Canzonetta’ Accompanied on piano by Mikhail Tablis

Axel Krukziener - Chopin: Nocturne No.20 in C-Sharp minor Op.posth

Rabbi Moshe Rube, Auckland Hebrew Congregation Rabbi Dean Shapiro, Beth Shalom Auckland Progressive Congregation

Speakers & Readers: Robert Narev ONZM, Holocaust Survivor and Educator;  Claudia Arielli for Claire Bruell, Auckland Holocaust Oral History Project; Hon Paul Goldsmith, NZ Government Minister; Hon Brooke van Velden, NZ Government Minister; Cllr Chris Darby, Auckland Council; Steve Prescott, teacher and graduate 2023 Inge Woolf Memorial Seminar for NZ Educators at Yad Vashem;  Shoshana Maasland, IHRA NZ Expert Delegate;  Joshua Korpus, fourth generation survivor; Michael Stiassny, second generation Holocaust survivor; Rabbi Moshe Rube, Auckland Hebrew Congregation; Rabbi Dean Shapiro, Beth Shalom.
Candle lighters: Vera Krukziener, Holocaust Survivor, Andrew Krukziener, second generation survivor, Louis Krukziener and Axel Krukziener, third generation survivors; Juliet Moses, president of the NZ Jewish Council; Barbara Moses; Wally Hirsh, Holocaust Survivor; Adele Hrish, Liora Hirsh, second generation survivor; Hon Consul Henri Elliott, Consulate of Israel; Hon Consul Boguslaw Nowak, Consulate of the Republic of Poland;  Cllr Chris Darby, Auckland City Council, and Joshua Korpus, fourth generation survivor.
Musicians: Louis Krukziener, violin, accompanied on piano by Mikhail Tablis ; Axel Krukziener, piano.

Hamilton

Speakers & Readers:  Dr Michele Orgad, second generation Holocaust survivor; Chris  McNair, teacher and graduate of the Inge Woolf Memorial Seminar for NZ Educators at Yad Vashem 2023;  Yael Holan, Deputy Chief of Misson, Embassy of Israel; Yoni Weissler, member of the Waikator Jewish community; Jessica Licht, member of the Waikato Jewish community; Sami Cohen, Waikato Jewish community member.
Candle lighters: Alyssa Wolk-Bankier, President of the Waikato Jewish Association;  Sami Cohen, Waikato Jewish community member;  Yoni Weissler, Waikato Jewish community member,; Yael Holan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Israel;   Dr  Michele Orgad, Second generation Holocaust survivor; and  Rotem Malal, Waikato Jewish community member.

Wellington
Photography by Woolf

Speakers & Readers: Hon Nicola Willis, Deputy Leader, National Party; Nicole Greensides, teacher and graduate Inge Woolf Memorial Seminar for NZ Educators at Yad Vashem 2015; Sam Hart, grandson of Holocaust survivors; Inbal Megiddo, Assoc Prof. NZ School of Music, Victoria University; Rabbi Kuperman, Chabad Wellington; Sue Esterman, Temple Sinai.
Candle lighters: Hon Nicola Willis, Deputy Leader of the National Party & Liz Longworth, Chair, NZ National Commission for UNESCO; Mary Mowbray CNZM, Holocaust survivor, & Victoria Lettink, Paul Seideman Scholarship 2023;  Steven Sedley MNZN, Holocaust survivor, & Naomi Roberts, Paul Seideman Scholarship 2023; Vera Egermayer MNZM, Holocaust survivor, & Olivia Cammell, Paul Seideman Scholarship 2023; Rachelle Calkoen, Holocaust survivor, & Zlata Shapran, Paul Seideman Scholarship 2023; and Desiree Gezentsvey, Lara & Noam Phillips, second, third and fourth generation Holocaust survivors.
Musician: Yury Gezentsvey, violin.

Nelson

Speakers & Readers: Nick Smith, Nelson Mayor; Tina Smith, teacher and graduate Inge Woolf Memorial Seminar for NZ Educators at Yad Vashem 2019 (video message); Nati Siboni, Nelson Jewish community member; David Zwartz ONZM, Chair Wellington Jewish Council;  Anna Fyfe, Manager Multicultural Nelson Tasman; and Brian Hurst.
Candle lighters: Children of the Nelson Jewish community, Eva Kepes, Holocaust survivor,  David Zwartz ONZM Chair, Wellington Jewish Council, and Anna Fyfe, Manager Multicultural Nelson Tasman
Musician: Joelle Noar, guitar

Christchurch

Speakers & Readers: Hon Dr Vanessa Weenink MP for Banks Peninsula; Kimberly Vernall, teacher and graduate Inge Woolf Memorial Seminar for NZ Educators at Yad Vashem 2023; Ben Kepes, Second generation Holocaust survivor, and Holocaust Centre of New Zealand Board Member; Hon Consul George Hooft, Kingdom of the Netherlands; Yonni Kepes, third generation Holocaust survivor.
Candle lighters: Dr Michael Mautner, Holocaust survivor, and Dr Helen Mautner;  Golan  Korev, Christchurch Jewish community member; Stephen Judd, Christchurch  Jewish community member; Hon Consul George Hooft, for the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Ben Kepes, second-generation survivor and HCNZ Board Member;  and The Reverend Canon Ben Truman, Christchurch Cathedral.

Dunedin

Lighting candles in honour of the victims of the Nazis and their collaborators are (from left) Holocaust New Zealand Education Director Kris Clancy, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum visitor programmes co-ordinator Chris Watts, Dunedin Jewish community member Lorraine Isaacs, Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich, Dunedin Jewish community member Diana Rothstein, Taieri Labour MP Ingrid Leary and Dunedin Jewish community member Professor Jamin Halberstadt. PHOTO: SIMON HENDERSON, Otago Daily Times.

​Speakers & Readers:   Hon Rachel Brooking MP for Dunedin; Jack Brosnahan, PhD Candidate, University of Otago; Michelle Moffat, University of Otago; Anthea Glocer, Dunedin Jewish community; Greg Bouwer, University of Otago; Abby Spilg-Harris, Dunedin Jewish community; Hannah Levy, Dunedin Jewish community; Amir Levy, Dunedin Jewish community.

As Featured in the Otago Daily Times

---

Yom HaShoah  - 17 - 18 April 2023

---

​The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand hosted three Yom HaShoah ceremonies in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch last night on Monday, 17 April.  This year's Yom HaShoah also marked the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and we remembered the group of nearly 2000 young Jewish men and women who did the unthinkable: mounted an uprising against the Nazi war machine. The uprising was the largest single revolt by Jews during World War II and inspired other uprisings during the Holocaust. With homemade bombs, handguns, stolen weapons, and a secret system of tunnels, they successfully held back the Nazis and their collaborators from deporting the last 50,000 residents of the Warsaw Ghetto to the Majdanek and Treblinka Death Camps.

Attendants at Yom HaShoah ceremonies were given a yellow daffodil to wear gifted from the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, as a symbol for their annual Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Campaign. It is reputed that for several years, Marek Edelman, the only surviving commander of the Jewish Combat Organisation, would receive a bouquet of daffodils from an anonymous benefactor on 19 April. During commemorative ceremonies at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, he would later lay yellow flowers, often daffodils, at the site, while also leaving a trail of flowers at various sites connected with the Uprising. 

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand thanks all who participated and attended these events of collective remembrance of the approximately six million Jews who were murdered for their simple existence - may their memories be a blessing and may we go forth continuing to combat antisemitism and discrimination, and protect human rights for all.

BACKGROUND to Yom HaShoah & POLIN's Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Campaign
Yom HaShoah (יוֹם הַשּׁוֹאָה – “The Catastrophe”) is the day Israel commemorates the victims of the Holocaust (the Shoah). The full name is “Yom HaShoah Ve-Hagevurah”— in Hebrew translates to the “Day of (remembrance of) the Holocaust and the Heroism.” 
Yom HaShoah was created by a resolution passed by the Knesset (12 April 1951). The 27th day of Nisan was proclaimed as “Holocaust and Ghetto Uprising Remembrance Day – a day of perpetual remembrance for the House of Israel.” This date was chosen because it falls between the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, which began on the first day of Passover, and Yom Hazikaron – the memorial day for Israel’s fallen soldiers (on 4 Iyyar) – and also because it occurs during the traditional Counting of the Omer.

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand joined the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews' annual Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Campaign. We dedicate this year's Yom HaShoah service to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and to all who fought, through armed and unarmed resistance, in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising on this 80th anniversary.

On 19 April a ceremony is held at the Monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto Uprising in Warsaw. Paper daffodils, designed by Helena Czernek, are handed out to thousands of members of the public on the streets of Warsaw. What began in 2013 has become a very effective socio-educational campaign. Only 30% of respondents of a survey in 2013 either knew about the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising or knew why 19 April 1943 was significant. In 2019, 80% of Varsovians knew about the uprising.

Why a daffodil?
Popularized by Marek Edelman, the daffodil has long been seen as the Uprising's defining symbol. It is reputed that for several years Edelman would receive a bouquet of daffodils from an anonymous benefactor on 19 April every year. He would later lay yellow flowers, often daffodils, during the commemorative ceremony at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in memory of those who fought and died. And he would leave a trail of flowers at various sites connected with the Uprising.

---

UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day - 27 January 2023 

THEME:
With 2023 marking the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising,  this was the theme for UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Aotearoa New Zealand. "On Their Own Terms: Heroism and Sacrifice" highlighted how youth movements fought back against the Nazis, how the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising inspired other uprisings in camps and ghettos, and remains an inspiration today for young people in their combat against racism, discrimination and hatred, and in the fight for inclusivity and diversity acceptance here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

BACKGROUND:
The Holocaust was a turning point in history that prompted the world to say, "never again". In 2005, the United Nations designated January 27th - the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945 - as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, an annual call to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and to work through education, documentation, and commemoration to prevent future acts of genocide.
On 27 January  people across Aotearoa New Zealand came together in honour and remembrance of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, and all victims of the Nazis and their collaborators, persecuted for their ethnicity, political views, disabilities, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.  On this day and all days, we stand against antisemitism, discrimination, and apathy, and reaffirm our commitment to “never again” .

​On UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day, 27 January 2023, the Holocaust Centre was honoured to hold seven well-attended, poignant, and inspiring commemorations in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, and Dunedin. We thank all participants for their contributions to these meaningful events, all who attended, and our committed national and regional sponsors. We thank everyone involved in bringing about successful gatherings of respectful remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust and all people persecuted by the Nazi Third Reich and their collaborators.
Special thank you to the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand speaking in Auckland, and to our cherished Holocaust survivors, and their descendants, participating in, and attending, ceremonies around the country.
With a focus on the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, speakers related this act of youth-led resistance to present-day Aotearoa, and the challenges facing young people today. We were reminded that there is much we have yet to learn from the Holocaust. It is incumbent on each and every one of us to stand up to antisemitism, hatred, and discrimination, and to combat misinformation.
​

AUCKLAND Commemoration - Auckland War Memorial Museum
photos Sav Schulman Photography
​

At Auckland UNIHRD we were honoured with the presence of Her Excellency, Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, the Governor-General of New Zealand, and His Excellency Dr Richard Davies, and a warm welcome by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Kaumatua, Robert Newsom gave the response on behalf of the Governor General and guests in attendance.
Hon. Priyanka Radhakrishnan, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities represented the Government, and Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson represented the Auckland Council. Dr David Galler and Lisa Newman both spoke powerfully to the survivor testimonies of their mothers, Zophia Galler and Alice Newman.
Readings were presented by Jewish movement representatives, Meg Dickson for Habonim Dror Aotearoa and Max Woolf for Bnei Avika. Sabrina Manū Chair, UNESCO Youth Representative read a message from  Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, Bob Narev recited Yizkor/Nizkor, Rabbi Dean Shapiro of Beth Shalom Progressive Synagogue recited El Maleh Rachamim, and Rabbi Moshe Rube of Auckland Hebrew Congregation recited Kaddish. Louis Kruikziener played Zog Nit Keyn Mol, Song of the Warsaw Ghetto on his violin.
Memorial candlelighters were  Naomi Johnson, Lilla Wald & Sam Wald, Auckland Second Generation, Jack Porus & Lynn Porus, Gael Keren & Briar Cooper, Jacqueline & Kerry Knight, Alicja Newman & Robert Newman, andVera Krukziener & Andrew Krukziener. Deborah Hart, Chair of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand was MC, and Gillian Wess, CEO was also in attendance.

HAMILTON Commemoration - Waikato Museum

On a very wet and stormy 27th of January 2023, the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand and the City of Hamilton hosted their United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum. The evening brought together a range of people from Yad Vashem grads to politicians, civic leaders, members of the Jewish community and interested Waikato citizens. Hamilton’s Mayor, Paula Southgate spoke on the importance of never forgetting and always understanding history’s layers on present-day decisions. New Zealand’s Race Relations Commissioner, Meng Foon, spoke of the responsibility of institutions and schools to help combat discrimination and antisemitism in a society that does not trust or believe in facts. He also said that hate is not part of a thriving society and must be confronted actively and constantly. Dr Michelle Orgad shared powerful testimony on the life and impact of family members who relocated to New Zealand, while also losing many members in Europe. The accessible diaries and stories from this family impact us today. Jan Cohen, Eilon Isaac Scheuer, Jessica King and recent HCNZ Yad Vashem graduates participated with readings, prayers and candle lighting which highlighted that we all are involved with keeping the information alive and current. The discussion afterwards turned to the need for wider engagement in all areas of society and how this starts with education.

WELLINGTON - MAKARA & PARLIAMENT EVENTS

​The International Holocaust Remembrance Day events in Wellington started with a meaningful ceremony under much needed cover on a rainy day at Makara Cemetery. 
For the first time this event was opened by the blowing of a Pūtātara (made from a conch shell), followed by a karanga and mihi whakatau by Kura Moeahu (Tiamana/Chairman, Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa) & Alishia Moeahu. Kura and Alishia Moeahu also gave a warm welcome at the following Parliament reception.
MC at Makara and Parliament was Miriam Bookman (Deputy Chair, HCNZ). Keynote speaker at Makara was Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau, and moving personal family testimony was given by HCNZ Board Member John Goddard. With the focus on the youth action of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising the testimony and writing of two leaders of the youth resistance movement then (Zivia Lubetkin and Mordechai Anielewicz) were read by the leaders of the local Jewish youth movements, Holly Leighton-McPhee (Habonim Dror) and Isaac Thomson-Gregg (Bnei Akiva). Aimee Clark (UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leader) delivered the UNESCO Director-General’s message for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Memorial prayers were recited by Rabbi Esther Jilovsky and Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum and we concluded with memorial stone laying. In the Tahara house resided a brick from the Warsaw Ghetto available for viewing.
Guests at both Makara ceremony and the Parliament Reception hosted by Hon Grant Robertson MP following, included members of the Jewish community, members of parliament and council, diplomatic corps, and interfaith leaders. Addresses were given by Host Hon Grant Robertson, Pratima Namasivayam(Deputy Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities) and Vanisa Dhiru (Commissioner, New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO), with video testimony of Alicja Newman, a survivor of the Holocaust who was a child in the Warsaw Ghetto. Memorial candles were lit by young and elderly alike, among them Holocaust survivors and descendants. The musical piece was Chopin’s  Nocturne No. 20 in C sharp minor played by Liam Furey.  The Paul Seideman Scholarship for Holocaust composition was awarded to three secondary students. ‘Walking backwards into the future’ - the importance of turning to our history, and our collective history at that, to understand the present and make informed decisions to construct a positive future was a common theme of speakers, as was the reminder of personal responsibility to combat the evils of society.
​

MAKARA Commemoration -  Makara Cemetery
photos Photography by Woolf

PARLIAMENT Commemoration & Paul Seideman Scholarship prize giving
photos Photography by Woolf

NELSON Commemoration, Nelson Yacht Club

​Nelson’s second UNIHRD commemoration was attended by over 80 people, including Holocaust survivor Vera Egermayer, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, and Deputy Mayor Rohan O’Neill Stevens. The lighting of six candles – the candle lighters accompanied by children – was deepened by the presence of a cobblestone from the Warsaw Ghetto. MC David Schnellenberg explained why the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, 80 years ago, was of major significance in the Holocaust, then, and is now in Holocaust commemoration. The Mayor said that antisemitism and racism today must be resisted because of its corrosive effect on Aotearoa New Zealand society. Vera Egermayer shared testimony of her own childhood in Nazi-occupied Prague. David Zwartz pointed out that we can be optimistic about overcoming racism and creating a better future for our country if we learn from the history of the Warsaw Ghetto resistance, and the Holocaust.

CHRISTCHURCH Commemoration, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch
photos Kurt Langer Photography
​

​This year’s Christchurch ceremony for International Holocaust Remembrance Day was held indoors at the Botanic Garden, with memorial prayers, candle lighting, readings, speeches, video testimony and songs. The event concluded with a reflective walk to the NZ World Peace Bell which was rung six times. We were honoured to have a Holocaust survivor, Holocaust survivors’ descendants, civic leaders, interfaith leaders, members of the Jewish community, the diplomatic corps and HCNZ volunteers participating and as guests. Speakers were Hon Dr Megan Woods MP, Councillor Dr Melanie Coker (representing the Mayor and the Christchurch City Council), Imam Gamal Fouda (Al Noor Mosque), Very Rev. Lawrence Kimberely (Dean of Christchurch Cathedral), with Yasmin Sellars reprising her role as MC. Memorial prayers were recited by Sidney Weil and Ben Kepes with readings by Bettina Wallace, Zac Askew and Shary Bakker. As in all regions, a cobblestone from the Warsaw Ghetto was present. The feet of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, as well as the jackboots of Nazi persecutors may have stepped on these stones. The stones are literally concrete reminders that we were not talking about abstract events. It was a poignant, reflective day for all present and we thank all in attendance.

DUNEDIN Commemoration,  Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
photos Alex Lov​ell-Smith
​

On 27 Jan 2023, the Holocaust  Centre of New Zealand and the City of Dunedin hosted their inaugural United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. The event was honoured by the presence of members from the local Jewish community, the refugee community, and the Polish community. Civic leaders, including Deputy Mayor Sophie Barker and local MP Ingrid Leary, spoke at the event on the importance of combating hatred, discrimination, and antisemitism in a day of mis- and disinformation. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, David Murdoch, spoke of the responsibility of institutions and schools to help combat hatred, discrimination, and antisemitism in a day of mis- and disinformation. Ewa Rozecka-Pollard gave a moving testimony on the heroism and sacrifice of her family, who rescued two Jews from the Nazis and helped those trapped within the Warsaw Ghetto. Members of the Dunedin community did beautiful readings and candle lighting, and after the event, overwhelmingly, the response was the need for more engagement, education, and a yearly return to Dunedin to commemorate the victims of the Nazis and their collaborators.

 Thank you to our supportive  national and regional partners that enabled us to host these commemorations around Aotearoa New Zealand.