Commemorations
The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand presents:
A tribute to musicians who found refuge in the East, this year’s Kristallnacht Commemorative Concert tells their stories through the evening’s music programme.
Journeying from the concert halls of Europe all the way to Mumbai, Shanghai and Batavia, the stories of Lili Kraus, Szymon Goldberg, Wolfgang Fraenkel, and Walter Kaufmann will be portrayed through this special concert. We will remember and experience the place that music had in their lives and in their tales of survival, and the lasting legacies they left behind - from founding the Bombay Chamber Music Society to being recognised in a Javanese internment camp.
From Indonesia to India, the stories of Lili Kraus, Szymon Goldberg, Wolfgang Fraenkel, and Walter Kaufmann will be portrayed through this special concert.
The concert is presented by the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, in partnership with the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, Victoria University of Wellington.
This concert commemorates Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass”, the pogrom on 9 -10 November 1938, when carefully orchestrated anti-Jewish violence was carried out across Germany, Austria, and the Sudetenland.
Doors open at 6:00 PM and the concert will begin at 6:45 PM
A tribute to musicians who found refuge in the East, this year’s Kristallnacht Commemorative Concert tells their stories through the evening’s music programme.
Journeying from the concert halls of Europe all the way to Mumbai, Shanghai and Batavia, the stories of Lili Kraus, Szymon Goldberg, Wolfgang Fraenkel, and Walter Kaufmann will be portrayed through this special concert. We will remember and experience the place that music had in their lives and in their tales of survival, and the lasting legacies they left behind - from founding the Bombay Chamber Music Society to being recognised in a Javanese internment camp.
From Indonesia to India, the stories of Lili Kraus, Szymon Goldberg, Wolfgang Fraenkel, and Walter Kaufmann will be portrayed through this special concert.
The concert is presented by the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, in partnership with the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, Victoria University of Wellington.
This concert commemorates Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass”, the pogrom on 9 -10 November 1938, when carefully orchestrated anti-Jewish violence was carried out across Germany, Austria, and the Sudetenland.
Doors open at 6:00 PM and the concert will begin at 6:45 PM
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.
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.
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.
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UN International Holocaust Remembrance Day - 27 January 2023
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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.
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
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.
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.
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
photos Photography by Woolf
PARLIAMENT Commemoration & Paul Seideman Scholarship prize giving
photos Photography by Woolf
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
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 Lovell-Smith
photos Alex Lovell-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.
