Yad VaJerusalemhem Volume 82, February 2017 Who Was Karoline Cohn? Searching for the Identity of the Owner of a Pendant Found in Sobibór (pp. 2-3)

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2017 (pp. 4-5) First International Conference for Jewish Educators (pp. 6-8) J Contents Yad Vaerusalemhem ■ Who Was Karoline Cohn? 2-3 Volume 82, Shvat 5777, February 2017 Searching for the Identity of the Owner of a Pendant Found in Sobibór Published by: 27 January ■ 4-5 Who Was Karoline Cohn? International Holocaust Remembrance Day Worldwide Education ■ 6-10 “The Shoah and Jewish Identity” ■ 6-8 ■ First International Conference Chairman of the Council: Rabbi Israel Meir Lau for Jewish Educators Vice Chairmen of the Council: Seminars for Muslim Educators ■ 8 ■ For over a decade, Yad Vashem has coordinated Dr. Yitzhak Arad Dr. Moshe Kantor Teachers from Europe Attend excavations at the site of the former Nazi ■ Chairman of the Directorate: Avner Shalev Follow-Up Seminar 9 extermination camp, Sobibór (Poland). The Director General: Dorit Novak News from the Virtual School ■ 9 excavations are conducted by Wojciech Mazurek Head of the International Institute for Holocaust Holocaust Education Video Toolbox (Poland), Israel Antiquities Authority researcher and archeologist Yoram Haimi, and archeologist Research and Incumbent, John Najmann Chair Greece to Accredit Teacher-Training for Holocaust Studies: Prof. Dan Michman Ivar Schute (Holland). Among the discoveries Seminars ■ 9 Chief Historian: Prof. Dina Porat made over the years are the foundations of the Graduate Spotlight ■ 10 Academic Advisor: gas chambers, the original train platform, and Dr. Andrea Peine and Gerda Küper, Germany Prof. Yehuda Bauer a large amount of personal artifacts belonging Members of the Yad Vashem Directorate: Building a Visual Memory to the victims, including watches, jewelry and Yossi Ahimeir, Daniel Atar, Michal Cohen, of the Holocaust ■ 11 Matityahu Drobles, Abraham Duvdevani, children’s identification bracelets. Prof. Boleslaw (Bolek) Goldman, Yad Vashem Online ■ 12-13 In late 2016, the remains of the hut where Vera H. Golovensky, Moshe Ha-Elion, “We Shall Meet Again” victims undressed and were shaved before being Adv. Shlomit Kasirer, Yossi Katribas, Last Letters from the Holocaust: 1941 Yehiel Leket, Baruch Shub, Dalit Stauber, Dr. Zehava Tanne, Adv. Shoshana Weinshall, Research ■ 14-18 Dudi Zilbershlag International Research Conference ■ 14-15 The Jewish Refugee Problem 1933-1945: THE MAGAZINE Reconsidered Editor-in-Chief: Iris Rosenberg Mirilashvili Center International Workshop: Managing Editor: Leah Goldstein Jews and Non-Jews in the USSR Editorial Board: During the Shoah ■ 14-15 Simmy Allen ■ 16 Yifat Bachrach-Ron Dr. Kim Wünschmann Deborah Berman 2016 International Book Prize Winner Marisa Fine PhD Candidates Study the Holocaust Dana Porath Lilach Tamir-Itach in Poland ■ 16 ■ The online Deportations Database helped researchers Susan Weisberg International Workshop for identify the possible owner of the pendant Editorial Coordinator: Miri Rabinovich Nissim ■ 16 Doctoral Students sent to the gas chambers was uncovered. The Language Editor: Leah Goldstein Fellows Corner: Dr. Anna Marczisovszky ■ 17 ruins unearthed by the archeologists are located Proofreader: Ezra Olman IHRA’s Growing Impact ■ 17 on the “Pathway to Heaven,” the trail cynically Translated by: James Joseph Mclntosh Yad Vashem Studies ■ 18 named by the Germans used to force arriving Jews Assisted by: Alexander Avram, Seizing the Opportunity: to the gas chambers. The personal items found Shaya Ben Yehuda, Inbal Kvity Ben-Dov, Ayala Peretz, Amanda Smulowitz, Robbing the Jews During the Shoah in the foundations of the building probably fell Martin Sykes-Haas through the floorboards and remained buried Jews Rescuing Jews ■ 19 in the ground until they were discovered a few Photography: Yossi Ben-David, Isaac Harari Brothers in Arms Production: Ayalon Press months ago. “We Are No Longer Alone” ■ 20-21 Design: Stephanie & Ruti Design The items found in the area include a Star of Family Reunion at Yad Vashem This magazine was published with the David necklace, a woman’s watch and a metal assistance of The Azrieli Group. Gathering Holocaust-era Effects in the FSU ■ 20 charm covered in glass with an etching of the Names Recovery Among Russian-Speaking image of Moses holding the Ten Commandments; ISSN 0793-7199 Communities Worldwide ■ 21 engraved on the reverse side of the charm is the ©Articles appearing in this issue may be reprinted News ■ 22-25 central Jewish prayer “Shema.” Also found was with proper acknowledgement. a pendant bearing the date 3.7.1929, the words Friends Worldwide ■ 26-31 Yad Vashem’s activities are supported by “Frankfurt AM” and “Mazal Tov” (written in The International Institute for Holocaust the Ministry of Education Hebrew) on one side, and on the other side the Research: Publications ■ 32 Hebrew letter “He” (representing God’s name) as and The Conference on Jewish Material well three Stars of David. Claims Against Germany With the help of Yad Vashem, Yoram Haimi ■ On the cover: The pendant found at Sobibór with the was able to speculate to whom the pendant Hebrew words “Mazal Tov” and the date 3 July 1929. belonged. Through concerted and complicated Photo: Yoram Haimi, Israel Antiquities Authority 2 Who Was Karoline Cohn? Searching for the Identity of the Owner of a Pendant Found in Sobibór

■ A metal charm covered with glass with the image of Moses holding the Ten Commandments painted on it. ■ A woman’s watch and ring found in the ground at the location of the remains of the hut where victims undressed Engraved on the reverse side is the central Jewish prayer before their murder. Photo: Yoram Haimi, Israel Antiquities Authority “Shema.” Photo: Yoram Haimi, Israel Antiquities Authority

The personal items found Additional research revealed a very similar In addition, contact was made with relatives pendant belonging to another young girl murdered of Karoline Cohn living in Israel and abroad. in the foundations of the in the Holocaust who was born in Frankfurt and “These recent findings from the excavations building probably fell wrote a diary during her time spent in hiding in at Sobibór constitute an important contribution Holland – Anne Frank. After the discovery of to the documentation and commemoration of through the floorboards the pendant the Holocaust,” said Prof. Havi Dreifuss, Head of in Sobibór the Center for the Research on the Holocaust in and remained buried in was widely Poland at Yad Vashem's International Research the ground until they publicized, Institute and Tel Aviv University. “They also Yad Vashem help us to understand better what happened at were discovered a few received a Sobibór, both in terms of the camp’s function months ago number of and also from the point of view of the victims.” messages from According to Yoram Haimi, “The significance work, Yad Vashem researchers identified its members of the of the research and findings at Sobibór only possible owner as Karoline Cohn, a young girl public who own grows with every passing season of excavations. born in Frankfurt on 3 July 1929. Haimi also similar pendants Every time we dig, we reveal another part of checked the population registry in Frankfurt once belonging to Sobibór, find more personal items and expand and discovered just one Jewish girl born that family members our knowledge about the camp. Despite attempts day – Karoline Cohn. Dr. Joel Zisenwine, Head who were by the Nazis and their collaborators to erase all of the “Transports to Extinction” Deportations born in traces of their crimes, as well as the effects of Database, a project of Yad Vashem’s International Frankfurt. forestation and time, we are gradually enhancing Institute for Holocaust Research, found Karoline's our understanding of the site’s history, which was name on a list of Jews deported from Frankfurt previously known to us only through survivor to Minsk on 11 November 1941. While it is not testimonies. This pendant demonstrates once known if she survived the harsh conditions again the importance of archaeological research in the Minsk ghetto, her pendant reached of former Nazi death camp sites. The moving story Sobibór sometime between November 1941 of Karoline Cohn is symbolic of the shared fate and September 1943, when the ghetto was of the Jews murdered in the camp.” liquidated and the 2,000 Jewish prisoners The archeological excavations at Sobibór are interned there were deported to the funded by the Steering Committee for the International Project to Establish a New death camp. There, along the path to Museum-Memorial Site in the Area of the the gas chambers of Sobibór, the Former German Nazi Extermination Camp in Sobibór, in coordination with Yad pendant belonging to Karoline Vashem’s International Institute for Cohn was taken, dropped and Holocaust Research and supported by Tel Aviv University. remained buried in the ground ■ The reverse side of the pendant bears the words writing “Mazal Tov,” the Hebrew letter for over 70 years. “He” and three Stars of David. Photo: Yoram Haimi, Israel Antiquities Authority 3 27 January International Holocaust Remembrance Day Worldwide

In honor of International Day of "We are fulfilling our fled the Czestochowa ghetto and wandered for Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of some two years from refuge to refuge, until they the Holocaust, popularly known as International obligation never to forget, were finally liberated. During their travels, Ruth Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yad Vashem and to keep in mind that wrote a diary on a small metal-bound notebook. was involved in a large number of events and Dr. Nidam Orvieto displayed the original diary, commemorative activities in Israel, throughout every victim had a story, which was donated to Yad Vashem by Ruth and the world, online and via social media. Meir's children, to the participants. In addition, a family, a childhood, a the diplomats toured the exhibition “Stars ■ Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev Without a Heaven,” which tells the story of the participated in a special Israeli Government future cut short." Holocaust from the point of view of children, and Cabinet Meeting on 22 January dedicated to Prime Minister Benjamin heard a presentation by Yad Vashem Archives discussing Holocaust commemoration and the Netanyahu Director and Fred Hillman Chair for Holocaust status of global antisemitism in the presence Documentation Dr. Haim Gertner. of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and and representatives from some 50 countries, other ministers. Shalev highlighted the work including the US, Canada, the UK, France, the ■ On 27 January, the annual ceremony and accomplishments of Yad Vashem in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany, commemorating the deportation of Italian Jews various international and local forums and Hungary, Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania attended during the Shoah took place at Yad Vashem committees for Holocaust remembrance and this event. Following a keynote speech by in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to commemoration. On 24 January, the Knesset Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Yad Israel, in coordination with the Italian Embassy. marked the day in its general assembly. Vashem Synagogue, the Director of Yad Vashem’s International Institute for Holocaust Research ■ The “Generation to Generation-Bearers ■ On 26 January, Yad Vashem held its Dr. Iael Nidam Orvieto addressed the audience. of the Holocaust and Heroism Legacy” annual symposium for members of the In her lecture, Dr. Nidam Orvieto told the story of organization held a special event under the international diplomatic corps. Ambassadors Ruth and Meir Kalka, a young Jewish couple who 4 "It is a testament to the Jewish people that we Remembering Online International Holocaust remember all of the victims of the Holocaust, ■ As in previous years, Yad Vashem provided whether they are related to us or not." a range of ways for people around the world Joe Lara, participant in Yad Vashem's Facebook Event: IRemember Wall to learn more about and commemorate Remembrance Day Worldwide International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The new online exhibition “We Shall Meet Again” (see pp. 12-13) was uploaded to the Yad Vashem website, as well as Spanish and German versions of the online exhibition “Don’t Forget Me,” featuring children’s personal albums from the Holocaust.

Yad Vashem also launched its annual Facebook event: The IRemember Wall. By joining the wall, the user's Facebook profile was randomly linked to the name of a Holocaust victim from Yad Vashem's Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names and then posted to the wall together with the photo and name of the Holocaust victim. Tens of thousands of people banner “Bystanders: A Current Perspective," in of Commemoration in Paris; Yad Vashem from around the world have participated in this cooperation with Yad Vashem. Speaking at the Historian Prof. Dina Porat participated in a unique commemorative project since it was event were Holocaust survivor Michael Gilad, European Jewish Congress event marking the launched six years ago, with increasing numbers Righteous Among the Nations Department day at the European Parliament in Brussels; joining each year. Many of the people who joined Director Irena Steinfeldt, philosopher Dr. Shimon Academic Advisor Prof. Yehuda Bauer lectured the event wrote poignant posts on their pages. Azulay and educator Aryeh Barnea. at the UK Foreign Office and the JW3 Jewish “It is a testament to the Jewish people that we Community Center in London; and Archives remember all of the victims of the Holocaust, ■ No Home Movie was screened at six Director Dr. Haim Gertner represented Yad whether they were related to us or not," wrote Cinemateques across Israel. Directed by the Vashem at a special meeting in Brussels Joe Lara from Texas. “We must remind ourselves late Chantal Akerman, the film won the 2016 sponsored by EHRI, the European Holocaust that many entire families were murdered and Avner Shalev Yad Vashem Chairman’s Award Research Infrastructure. that they have no family members left to mourn for Artistic Achievement in Holocaust-Related or remember them. May all of their memories be Film. Visual Center Director Liat Benhabib gave ■ A number of Yad Vashem “ready2print" a blessing." Additionally, thousands of people a short lecture at the screening on 25 January and traveling exhibitions went on display viewed a unique and moving series featuring at the Jerusalem Cinemateque. in many countries worldwide, including the the personal stories and pictures of Auschwitz US, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, survivors via Instagram. ■ Around the world, the day was observed by Peru and New Zealand. Versions of “I Am My A mini-site containing relevant academic lectures, educational activities and Brother's Keeper," the exhibition honoring the commemorative and pedagogical resources, official memorial events led by Yad Vashem staff Righteous Among the Nations, was specially including new films released in 2016 on and supporters. Yad Vashem Council Chairman tailored for Australian and German audiences, Yad Vashem’s Holocaust Education Video Rabbi Israel Meir Lau spoke at a remembrance and an Italian version of “Shoah: How Was Toolbox (see p. 9), were all readily available event sponsored by the European Union in It Humanly Possible?" was supported by the to help thousands of people around the world Belgium; Yad Vashem Director General Dorit Italian branch of the International Christian commemorate the day in a meaningful way. Novak took part in UNESCO's Annual Day Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). 27 January 5 Education “The Shoah and Jewish Identity”

Leah Goldstein

■ Conference organizer Ephraim Kaye, Director of the ■ Yad Vashem Academic Advisor Prof. Yehuda Bauer engaging with the audience of top-level educators International Seminars and Jewish World Department at the International School for Holocaust Studies, launched the unprecedented event ■ “It’s important to convey that when we of Holocaust education and research among Yad Vashem Libraries, presented the recently teach the Holocaust, our students should the Russian-speaking public. In advance of the published Yad Vashem anthology After So Much not acquire a sense of shame, a loss of self- conference, GPG President and CEO Ilia Salita Pain and Anguish: First Letters after Liberation, esteem. There needs to be an emphasis on the said: “This conference continues the well- which he co-edited with International Institute miraculous behavior of Jews during the Shoah; established tradition of academic and practical for Holocaust Research Director Dr. Iael Nidam there needs to be a way of conveying the exchanges between scholars and educators Orvieto. In his talk, he retold the moving story of light amidst the darkness, to teach about the from all over the world, which is enormously the American Jewish soldier Sammy Popush, who Jewish people who did remarkable things. As important for the future generations of students was among the liberators of Dachau. In a letter Jewish educators, we need to advance Jewish of the Holocaust.” to his family back in the US, Popush described identity and situate Holocaust education in the survivors’ astonishment on discovering connection to the larger Jewish experience.” The conference presented that he was Jewish, and that even more than So stated Prof. Steven Katz, Slater Professor their hunger for food, they were desperate of Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Boston Holocaust education as to draw strength from his Jewish identity. University, at the first International Conference a compelling, engaging Participants were also inspired by meetings for Jewish Educators held in December 2016 with Holocaust survivors, with many expressing at Yad Vashem. Over 200 Jewish day school and inspirational topic, their apprehension at endeavoring to connect principals, headmasters and senior Jewish which remains relevant the next generations to Shoah remembrance Studies educators representing 34 countries after the survivor generation has passed. and six continents around the world gathered to Jewish students in The second day focused on teaching the at Yad Vashem’s International School for Israel and the Diaspora Holocaust in formal and informal settings. Dr. Holocaust Studies for the conference, entitled Eyal Kaminka, Lily Safra Chair of Holocaust “The Shoah and Jewish Identity: Challenges in Education and Director of the International Jewish Education.” The conference – the largest School for Holocaust Studies, gave the opening and most prestigious gathering of worldwide The three full days of the conference were address in which he stated, “Our future is all leaders in Jewish education – presented dedicated to reinforcing the role of Holocaust about the choices we make here and now.” Yad Holocaust education as a compelling, engaging education in modern-day Jewish identity. On Vashem Academic Advisor Prof. Yehuda Bauer and inspirational topic, which remains relevant the first day, experts investigated Jewish identity spoke about the effects of Jewish identity on to Jewish students in Israel and the Diaspora. during the Shoah through testimonies, artifacts communities and individuals during and after The conference had many generous sponsors, and letters in Yad Vashem's collections that were the Shoah: “It’s not what you believe in, it’s how including Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG), left behind by Jewish victims and survivors. In you act,” he declared. “In the end, words become longtime partners of Yad Vashem in the area one session, Dr. Robert Rozett, Director of the tradition, and tradition becomes identity.” 6 “The Shoah and Jewish Identity” First International Conference for Jewish Educators

■ Yad Vashem Chief Historian Prof. Dina Porat led one of the expert workshops ■ Yad Vashem Director General Dorit Novak addressing the participants

Participants were then presented with woman, one man, one child and their response "Our future is all about pedagogical workshops for primary, middle and to their terrible circumstances. When that aspect high school, with hands-on demonstrations of comes to the fore, we can watch the students the choices we make here many of the age-appropriate and innovative engage more and connect.” and now." materials created at Yad Vashem, answering A number of simultaneous workshops and the expressed need of many participants for panel discussions were also held, showcasing Dr. Eyal Kaminka new materials, especially those suitable for multidisciplinary approaches to Holocaust grade-school students. “Learning about the education, such as through testimonies, art, Holocaust cannot be just about the mind- films and technology. Michael Voskoboynik of his students in the topic of the Holocaust: boggling numbers,” commented Sora Bulka, the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis “Using technology helps today’s generation Dean of The New Seminary, New York. “It must presented the state-of-the-art tools, such as understand the themes of the Shoah, develops become accessible through hearing about one “augmented reality,” which he uses to engage their motivation and personalizes their learning experience.” The workshops were followed by informal roundtable discussions, providing the Rekindling the Lights of Hanukah participants with opportunities to share with one another as well as with Yad Vashem staff the ■ As the conference took place during the Jewish identity during the Shoah. Three thousand challenges they face in order to further develop Jewish festival of Hanukah, the traditional four hundred years of Jewish continuity is the new and more effective ways to integrate Shoah lighting of the Hanukah candles was conducted unbroken chain of Jewish immortality and you, education into Jewish day school curricula. each evening, using hanukiot (menorahs) that the Jewish educators, hold the key for the future “Because it was an international event, I found survived the Holocaust. Honored guests lighting destiny of the Jewish people.” it beneficial to hear the viewpoints and issues of the candles included Chairman of the Yad Vashem other heads of schools,” said Angela Capurso, Council and Holocaust survivor Rabbi Israel Meir Principal of the Lubavitch Educational Center Lau (pictured) and Jewish Agency Chairman in Miami Beach, Florida. “These issues are, Natan Sharansky, who were accompanied by indeed, universal.” family members of the original owners of the The final day of this extraordinary conference hanukiot. “The word Hanukah has the same was packed with relevant information, hands- root as the Hebrew word hinuch - education,” on tools and lively discussions relating to the explained Rabbi Lau. “That is why it is befitting place of the Holocaust in Jewish identity today. for you all to gather here in Yad Vashem over the festival of Hanukah for a conference on education 7 "We need to be careful contemporary issues: educational trips to Poland; Seminars for Muslim coping with the “new antisemitism” in the how we employ Holocaust classroom; teaching about Israel and Zionism to Educators strengthen Jewish identity; reinforcing informal vocabulary, especially in Jewish education through Shoah programming; James Joseph McIntosh political speech." and the challenges of Holocaust denial and anti-Israel activities on college campuses. “We ■ In recent months, the International Evan Gottesman are not dealing with Holocaust denial, but School’s European Department organized Participants gathered in the morning to watch Holocaust minimization,” said Evan Gottesman, three seminars for educators from Albania, a stimulating address recorded especially for from Rutgers University. “People throw around Morocco and Kosovo (pictured). These projects the conference by world-renowned Jewish flagrant comparisons to the Holocaust, which were particularly noteworthy in view of the fact leader, philosopher and educator Rabbi Lord serves to minimize it. We need to be careful how that all three countries have Muslim-majority Jonathan Sacks. Rabbi Sacks urged the gathered we employ Holocaust vocabulary, especially in populations, and all the more so as Israel has assembly to pass on the Jewish ideas of hope political speech, and how we use that imagery.” no formal diplomatic relations with either and building a better future – so eloquently However, Yosef Tarshish, President of the World Morocco or Kosovo. embodied by Holocaust survivors – through Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) UK/Israel, the fight against injustice, through not being added, “Jewish students don’t let BDS define defined by antisemitism, and through celebrating their experiences on campus.” the differences upon which humanity itself In his address to the audience on the Jewish depends. This spoke to many participants, people, Israel and the memory of the Shoah, including Romanian educator Laura Vlaicu: Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel Natan “We must use Holocaust studies to develop and Sharansky declared: “The fact is that there is no improve awareness of antisemitism as well as better way to rebuild your Jewish identity or to the lack of tolerance in both the political and rediscover your Jewish roots other than through civic environment today.” Israel and your connection to Zionism. A world Held in partnership with the Albanian without Israel is a world without optimism, Ministry of Education and Sport, the first-ever without hope and without Jewish identity.” seminar for Albanian teachers at Yad Vashem The conference concluded with the was the result of a visit by European Department traditional Closing Session In Memory of Director Richelle Budd Caplan to Albania and Izzy and Babs Asper, with Shai Abramson, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Consultant at The Asper Foundation-Israel, in the presence of Albanian Prime Minister a major supporter of Yad Vashem and its Edi Rama, in which the Ministry pledged to educational enterprise, giving the formal accredit the seminars held in Jerusalem. Seminar address. “It is incumbent upon us all to continue participants voiced their appreciation of the to teach the legacy of the Shoah in a way that educational materials they received, as well directly addresses our future generations,” she as the opportunity to broaden their historical said. “The Asper Foundation wholly identifies knowledge. with this legacy, and we stand with you as we The group from Morocco included both face – together – the challenges of Holocaust educators and opinion leaders, and drew education, against Holocaust denial, against considerable coverage in the Arabic and antisemitism and keeping Holocaust history French media. The participants remarked that relevant and engaging.” the seminar’s daily schedule was very full, but Participants left buoyed by the newfound few would have cut any activities. “Each one friendships with fellow top-level educators, of us learned something new. Now it’s our ■ The Asper Foundation’s Shai Abramson discussed as well as a wealth of practical ideas to use in turn to educate those who didn’t attend this the challenges of “keeping Holocaust history relevant their schools. “This was a great opportunity seminar,” said one of the participants. “All of and engaging” to come and experience meaningful and top us, on our own levels, will work hard to make Former Minister of Justice and Attorney quality hinuch from a world-class institution,” an impact,” said another. General of Canada, The Hon. Irwin Cotler, gave said Jeremy Stowe-Lindner, Principal of Yad Vashem’s cooperation with Kosovo’s a talk on combating antisemitism and the BDS Bialik College, Melbourne, Australia. Tamara Ministry of Education, Science and Technology movement. “We cannot allow antisemitism to Donnenfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning at dates back to 2011, and a Yad Vashem expert first define our identity, but we cannot ignore the Temple Beth Am, Florida, agreed: “The subjects visited the country and worked with educators history of antisemitism,” he said. “We have a were relevant to our schools, students and in the capital city of Prishtina in April 2016. The responsibility to unmask the bearers of false families and we were able to learn from each European Department also made contact with witness, and expose the criminality of the deniers other… I am very grateful to Yad Vashem for the Prishtina branch of the German Forum for as we protect the dignity of their victims.” A allowing educators to come together to wrestle Civil Peace Service (forumZFD), which rendered panel session, featuring top executives of Jewish with the Jewish challenges we face worldwide.” considerable assistance in planning the seminar. institutions in the US, France, Argentina, Russia The International Conference for Jewish These seminars were sponsored by the Israel and Israel, tackled the topic of how the Holocaust Educators was generously supported by The Asper Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ICHEIC Program Foundation, the Adelson Family Foundation, the for Holocaust Education in Europe, and the Adelson shapes contemporary Jewish identity. Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Family Foundation. The afternoon offered participants the Germany, Genesis Philanthropy Group and the The author works in the European Department, opportunity to hear one of five panels on Israel Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. International School for Holocaust Studies. 8 Teachers from Europe Attend Follow-Up Seminar James Joseph McIntosh

■ In late November 2016, 45 teachers from into their own languages. The day’s activities across the European Union who have attended concluded with a visit to the last functioning Yad Vashem educational seminars gathered synagogue in nearby Galanta, which had hosted together for a two-day follow-up seminar. a thriving Jewish community before WWII. The seminar took place in Sered’, Slovakia, Among the honored guests addressing the site of a forced labor camp during WWII. the participants was Slovak Justice Minister Following an encouraging pilot in Rome in Lucia Žitnˇanská, as well as Holocaust survivor December 2014, this formative program marked Naftali Fürst. Mr. Fürst, a native of Slovakia Yad Vashem’s second experience organizing a who was interned as a child in Sered’ for two Europe-wide graduate seminar under the rotating years, emotionally recounted his story to the presidency of the Council of the European Union. participants as they trod upon the very places ■ Seminar participants visit the cattle car in Sered’: During the seminar, organizers modeled how to he described. Although the German puppet state an outdoor memorial to the deportees use newly developed resources for teaching the of Slovakia originally used Sered’ as a camp for Holocaust and human rights. One such resource Jewish forced labor, the authorities began to step well as the opportunity to meet with colleagues is “A Calendar for Life,” an educational kit which up deportations to the extermination camps as from across Europe. recounts the story of Dutch Holocaust survivor the “Final Solution” progressed. Guides from “Holding a pan-European seminar under Tswi Herschel, using testimony, historical notes, the Sered’ Memorial took the participants on a the rotating presidency of the EU Council archival photographs and a calendar drawn by tour of the museum, as well as the cattle car that has proven itself a success,” said European his father depicting how he imagined his then- serves as an outdoor memorial to the deportees. Department Director Richelle Budd Caplan. infant son’s lifecycle would unfold. The sketches Another highlight of the seminar was an “Although the seminar took place in a remote in the calendar envisioned young Herschel interactive and interdisciplinary workshop location in Slovakia, participants found the growing up, choosing a vocation, getting married demonstrating a Holocaust Remembrance Day proceedings both meaningful and relevant to and even immigrating to Eretz Israel. Originally activity. The activity made use of Holocaust- their teaching.” developed in Dutch and German, this was the themed postcards created by Israeli design This seminar was supported by the EU Agency first time the English version was presented. students, which the participants were invited to for Fundamental Rights and the Federal Republic Participants reacted positively, and several keep and use in their classrooms. The graduates of Germany. inquired as to the possibility of translating it were grateful for the materials they received, as News from the Virtual School: Holocaust Education Video Toolbox

■ Twenty-four English-language video clips Dr. Emanuel Ringelblum. The clips are based on documenter, a job she kept up until the day she have been produced so far for the Holocaust the writings of the archivists and recount in the died; Perez Opoczynski, “the Jewish postman,” Education Video Toolbox, an online resource first-person the historical and personal events describes the travails of the ghetto from the designed to help educators teach the Holocaust. described therein. The six archivists depicted in perspective of an author who is compelled to walk All of them have been translated into four the clips reveal differing perspectives on the work endlessly through the streets in order to make a languages – Hebrew, Russian, Spanish and of “Oneg Shabbat," creating a complex picture of living as a mailman; Avraham Levin, who kept German – and five have been translated into the archive’s activity in view of the Jews’ fate: writing in his journal even during the “Great Greek as well. The clips deal with basic topics in Ringelblum describes his evolving role and the Deportation,” describes the terror of the summer Holocaust education, including a basic overview work of the archive over time; Rachel Auerbach, of 1942; and the last wills and testaments of Israel of the Holocaust, the roots of Nazi ideology, the one of the three activists who survived, talks about Lichtenstein and Gila Sackstein, two documents evolution of the “Final Solution,” rebuilding her job as the manager of a soup kitchen and portraying the collectors of the archive, reveal lives after the war, pre-Holocaust Jewish life the couple’s mood when faced with death, as their and interdisciplinary pedagogy in Holocaust writing glides from the personal and familial into education. The clips are available on Yad Vashem’s the public and communal, and laments the fate website and its YouTube channels, and they of the Jews of Poland as part of the destruction have already been viewed some 625,000 times. of all the Jews of Europe. Five new clips were recently uploaded to The Holocaust Education Video Toolbox is the Toolbox, dedicated to the “Oneg Shabbat" supported through the generosity of Jan and Rick Cohen, USA. The Toolbox translations were also underground archives in the Warsaw ghetto, supported by ICHIEC and the Adelson Family run by the historian and socio-political activist Foundation. Greece to Accredit Teacher-Training Seminars ■ In January 2017, in the lead-up to Gavroglou, Minister of Education, Research and the ties between Yad Vashem and the Greek International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Religious Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, and educational authorities, which pledged to accredit Yad Vashem and the educational authorities Jewish Museum of Greece President Samuel these seminars, and lays the foundation for the in Greece signed their first Memorandum of Matsas signed in Athens. sides to continue their cooperation and explore Understanding (MOU). To date, some 150 Greek educators have creating new educational resources. Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev signed studied the Holocaust in professional development in Jerusalem, while H.E. Mr. Konstantinos (Kostas) seminars at Yad Vashem. The MOU formalizes education 9 Graduate Spotlight Dr. Andrea Peine Every year, over 300,000 students and educators in Israel and around the world attend hundreds of educational and Gerda Küper activities, in a dozen languages, at the International School for Holocaust Studies. Featured here are two of the School’s Germany graduates, and what they have achieved since: James Joseph McIntosh

Becker-Leeser sent material and texts, and the students combed the local library for age-appropriate books about the Holocaust in a search for inspiration. It quickly became clear that the students were interested in the graphic novel genre, as well as developing a mobile app in order to attract more students to the project. In May 2015, Becker-Leeser met again with the students, who were working on their project about the story of her life and survival, and answered questions about hitherto unmentioned historical details. “Helga had her photo album, a unique historical source since Dülmen was almost destroyed during WWII," recalls Küper. "Not very many photographic sources have hoto: Medienberatung NRW/Bildungspartner NRW, Andreas Weinhold Andreas NRW, NRW/Bildungspartner Medienberatung hoto: P survived. Thanks to the album and all the stories ■ Holocaust survivor Helga Becker-Leeser showing her family photo album to students that Helga told about herself, a new world full ■ Dr. Andrea Peine, a history teacher at the well as Becker-Leeser, of details opened up." Hermann Leeser School in Dülmen, first made who attended together The project team quickly realized that every contact with Holocaust survivor Helga Becker- with her son Joost. picture illustrating Becker-Leeser's narrative Leeser in 2008, in connection with a project Becker-Leeser answered would require meticulous research. This triggered she and her colleague Gerda Küper conducted the audience's questions a whole array of questions, such as the color of at her school. Becker-Leeser was born in Dülmen, and recounted in detail her eyes, the appearance of the so-called ‘Green a city located in the German federal state of how she had witnessed Police' (Nazi German Police who donned a green North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), to Hermann the Kristallnacht pogrom uniform) in the Netherlands, and the design of radio sets in the late 1930s. In addition to Leeser (after whom the school was named) and ■ as a young girl. “Getting Dr. Andrea Peine and hiring a graphic designer, they used funds from Dutch citizen Rhea Leeser (née Zondervan). Gerda Küper. Courtesy: to know Helga was just During the war Helga fled to the Netherlands, Claudia Marcy, Dülmener Zeitung wonderful," says Dr. the grant to cover a study visit to Yad Vashem. where she remained after liberation. Each class Peine. "What struck me Weinhold further proposed that they design a in the school had sponsored a Stolperstein (a most was her matter-of-fact manner and her mobile app to complement the book, giving rise brass-plated cobblestone inscribed with the warm and open personality." to the motto "Students Explain Yad Vashem to name and dates of birth and death of a Holocaust Following the ceremony, the teachers and their their Schoolmates." NRW Education Minister victim) to be laid in Dülmen. In the lead-up to students contemplated the idea of writing a book Sylvia Löhrmann visited the school upon the the dedication ceremony, Dr. Peine and Küper about Becker-Leeser's life. Theo Schwedmann, release of the graphic novel and mobile app, encouraged their students to mail questions to an educator and longstanding partner of Yad praising the group's accomplishment. “Working Becker-Leeser. Vashem, advised and supported them throughout, on the book and our app taught our students The ceremony at the school's assembly hall and Andreas Weinhold of Bildungspartner NRW so much about the Holocaust," concludes Dr. drew all of the class representatives, several encouraged them to pitch their book idea in a Peine. “I am deeply convinced that it’s a good guests from the Dülmen municipality and state-sponsored competition. The students won, idea to include both graphics and digital media numerous teachers, students and parents, as and they received a sizable grant for their project. in Holocaust education." German Minister Learns More about Holocaust Education ■ The Hon. Sylvia Löhrmann, Deputy Prime high-school students from the growing network Löhrmann met experts and heard about Yad Minister and Education Minister of the German of Yad Vashem-ICHEIC Partner Schools in Vashem’s educational philosophy and pedagogical federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia NRW. Dr. Noa Mkayton, Deputy Director of resources. The day’s activities concluded with an (NRW), recently visited Yad Vashem in honor the International School for Holocaust Studies’ official commemoration ceremony in the Hall of of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. European Department, later guided the minister on Remembrance. German Ambassador to Israel H.E. Minister Löhrmann began her visit by a tour of the Holocaust History Museum and the Dr. Clemens von Goetze joined Minister Löhrmann speaking with a contingent of visiting German campus. Back at the International School, Minister for the ceremony. 10 education Building a Visual Memory of the Holocaust James Joseph McIntosh Deborah Berman

■ Archival footage of Wielopole Skrzynskieˇ filmed by David Teitelbaum in 1938 (and 1939?). Yad Vashem Film Archive. Gift of Helen Glucksman and the Family of David Teitelbaum

■ The Yad Vashem Archives house thousands the Netherlands, the US and other countries in who appear in Teitelbaum’s footage were of Holocaust-related films, including newsreels, utilizing Holocaust-era footage as a historical amongst those murdered that day. amateur films, propaganda and postwar source. Sessions at the workshop focused on Several years ago, this rare color footage trials. Archival footage contains many layers the research work on footage located at various depicting Jewish life in the shtetl of Wielopole of information, and comprehensive research archives and collections of Holocaust-related before the Holocaust was donated to Yad Vashem. can help clarify the motivation and ideology material worldwide; the unique challenges With the assistance of relatives (particularly of the photographer; identify places, situations entailed in locating, collecting and restoring these Channa Rachel Helen Glucksman, David and people; create the geographical frame; rare films; and technical and methodological Teitelbaum’s niece), Yad Vashem experts succeeded and date the film – all in order to both deepen dilemmas of using archival films. in identifying many of the individuals in the film. historical knowledge and commemorate the One of the films presented at the workshop Since the film was uploaded to Yad Vashem’s victims. Thus, the more information collected was shot in Wielopole Skrzynskie,ˇ southwestern YouTube channel, it has received over 150,000 about each film, the greater its importance as Poland, by David Teitelbaum, an amateur views. “Films open a window onto the world of historical documentation. photographer who was born in Wielopole in 1891 their subjects, as well as that of their creators,” A groundbreaking workshop on the subject, and later relocated to the United States, where explains Efrat Komisar, Head of the Footage entitled “Holocaust Archival Footage as a he became a successful businessman. Teitelbaum Section in Yad Vashem's Archives Division Historical Source: Methodology and Ethics in would return to his hometown almost every year and one of the presenters at the workshop. “It the Digital Era,” took place at Yad Vashem in to visit his family, filming scenes in the town is our obligation as archivists to research them September 2016, under the auspices of the in 1938 and possibly in 1939. Members of the thoroughly, and present them to the public in European Holocaust Research Infrastructure Teitelbaum, Rappaport and Sartoria families, the most accurate way possible, thus building a (EHRI). EHRI is a trans-national project aimed as well as their neighbors and acquaintances, more accurate visual memory of the Holocaust. at supporting and promoting improved access were captured by his camera. Moving images provide something that other to Holocaust documentation scattered across Wielopole was occupied by the Germans in kinds of documentation – written, audio and even the globe. The workshop, designed especially for 1939. On 26 June 1942, the Jews of Wielopole photographs – cannot give: images of people, experts, convened some 30 top-level professionals, were evicted and sent to the ghetto in Ropczyce. places and events that allow us to visualize what providing tools and tips for archivists, researchers Some 50 sick and elderly Jews were murdered was happening in real time. In a way, seeing them and historians from Austria, France, Germany, before the forced departure. Some of the people almost brings them back to life.”

Second EHRI Seminar: Providing Good Service Zvi Bernhardt ■ In today’s world of fast response and related collections gathered to discuss how best at the time, or documentation was destroyed over instant answers, how can Yad Vashem and to serve anyone seeking information from events the years. Each one of the participants had a story other Holocaust-based institutions provide that occurred over seventy years ago. to tell about the professional satisfaction they felt accurate, in-depth information to a family “During the seminar, significant differences to be able to provide a family with information searching for the fate of a loved one? How between small and large institutions became that gave them closure on their loved one’s fate, is it possible to provide both professional and apparent, as well as local historical and legal and yet everyone related the disappointment empathetic service to the growing number of influences on the institution itself,” says Lital Beer, they felt when they were unable to complete the people seeking evidence on Holocaust victims? Director of the Reference and Information Services research. Through EHRI, we hope to strengthen These questions were at the crux of an Department in Yad Vashem’s Archives Division. our professional connections and knowledge of EHRI-sponsored seminar, entitled “Reference “But most of our challenges are actually quite where to find particular pieces of information, Services: Best Practices and Innovative Use of similar. While the massive computerization projects and thereby help more people complete their own Materials,” held at Yad Vashem in November of Yad Vashem and other institutions have greatly family puzzle.” 2016. Participants from 15 institutions worldwide enhanced our ability to supply information, many The author is Deputy Director of the Reference and who provide reference services on Holocaust- details were simply not documented by the Germans Information Services Department, Archives Division. research 11 Yad Vashem Online “We Shall Meet Again” Last Letters from the Holocaust: 1941

■ Blanche Nabarro and Meier Vieijra on their ■ Reflected image of Zalman Levinson, Riga, 1937. Yad Vashem Photo Archive wedding day, Amsterdam, 9 August 1939

■ “You too must be strong and patient. One day this too will come to an end… I am writing this just in case I don’t survive, but I have a feeling that we will see each other again.” Regina Kandt wrote these words in her last letter to her husband Maximilian and her son Rudy before she was deported from Belgrade to her death, together with her grandson Sasha and her daughter-in-law Eva. The Yad Vashem Archives house many personal letters sent by Jews – adults and children – to their relatives and friends from their homes, the ghettos and the camps while fleeing, in hiding and while wandering from place to place. The new online exhibition “We Shall Meet ■ Paul Kor (1926-2001), Transport no. 2, from the series: “Six paintings dedicated to the memory of the six Again” features nine of these letters whose million," 1997-1998. Yad Vashem Art Collection authors were murdered in the Holocaust. The certainty that the war would end quickly, and letters were sent from Poland, Latvia, France, Each letter, missive and that their families would eventually reunite and Austria, Ukraine, Yugoslavia and Romania. Some live happily together. were sent to destinations outside Europe, and postcard reveals the inner One family featured in the exhibition is thus survived. Each letter, missive and postcard world and fate of Jews in that of Frieda and Zelik Levinson, who lived reveals the inner world and fate of Jews in the in Riga with their nine-year-old son Zalman, Holocaust. For many recipients, these were the the Holocaust Frieda’s mother Sara Lohak and other relatives. last greetings from the home and family they The letters in this exhibition were written Frieda’s sister Agnes Hirschberg had immigrated had left behind. Though parting with these in 1941, the year when the vicious persecution to Eretz Israel in 1936, but remained in contact letters was often difficult for their owners, they of the Jews under the Nazi regime became a with her family in Riga. Zalman often sent his ultimately chose to give them to Yad Vashem planned-out campaign of systematic murder. aunt letters and drawings. In April 1941, Frieda to be preserved for posterity. Nevertheless, they were filled with hope and sent Agnes a short postcard from Riga. This 12 online The letters were filled with hope and certainty Yad Vashem that the war would end quickly, and that their Website Upgraded families would eventually reunite and live ■ In 2016, the Internet Department in Yad happily together Vashem's Communications Division, together Yona Kobo with the Information Systems Division, began the complex and challenging task of moving the thousands of pages that comprise the Yad Vashem website to a content management system (CMS). The upgrade of the website was necessary in order to create a responsive web design (RWD) for an optimal viewing experience — easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning and scrolling — across a wide range of devices, from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones. In addition, the upgrade ensures that the website meets international accessibility standards; improves the information architecture within the site, thus ensuring a more meaningful user experience; optimizes the extensive online content for improved search engine optimization (SEO); enhances the ability to understand and monitor user behavior; and ensures maximum integration and interaction throughout the website with all of the various social media platforms. This ambitious undertaking, which entailed ■ Drawing sent from Riga by nine-year-old Zalman Levinson to his aunt, Agnes Hirschberg, in Eretz Israel. countless hours of analysis, planning, design At the top of the picture, he wrote in Hebrew: “Home." His mother, Frieda, added on the left: “Zima [Zalman] and implementation, utilized the experience drew our house.” and expertise developed over many years by was the last sign of life from Agnes’s family. For many recipients, these both Divisions. The names of her family members appear on Large parts of the website have already been the lists of inmates in the Riga ghetto. After the were the last greetings moved to the CMS. The upgrade will continue war, Agnes was informed that her mother Sara, from the home and family throughout 2017, with supplemental features her sister Frieda, her nephew Zalman and her and functionalities. brother-in-law Zelik had been murdered. Her they had left behind brother, Misha Lohak, survived. “We Shall Meet Again” also features the tragic makes use of Yad Vashem’s archives and account of Meier Vieijra. In February 1941, Vieijra collections of photographs, artifacts and artwork. was arrested in a roundup in Amsterdam. That In order to enhance the experience of viewing August, he sent a letter from the Mauthausen the exhibition, some of the letters can be heard concentration camp to his pregnant wife Blanche read aloud. Visitors to the exhibition “We Shall in Amsterdam. The letter was the last sign of life Meet Again” will thus become acquainted with from him. Per the censor’s demands, it was written the stories of victims of the Holocaust through in German, a language that Vieijra apparently the most personal, intimate and unique thing did not speak fluently, and it was not written in they left behind – their own writing. his handwriting. It had only his signature and a In the last letter she sent from the Warsaw poignant, personal line: “Blanche, if it’s a boy, ghetto to her husband and daughter in Siberia, name him Jacob Ben Meier. If it’s a girl, name her Perla Tytelman wrote, “My loves. I want to see Rachel.” A few weeks after receiving the letter, you. I am drawing on all my strength in order to Blanche gave birth to a daughter and named survive for you. But you, my beloved ones, have her Rachel. The letter informing Vieijra of the to prove your bravery, you have to prove that birth of his daughter was returned to Blanche you are capable of overcoming this undeserved from Mauthausen unopened. Meier Vieijra was punishment and the wanderings with strength and murdered in September 1941. dignity. You should be consoled by the thought As with other online exhibitions on the Yad that this has to end sometime, and that then we Vashem website, this exhibition interactively will once again be happy together. Our yearning expresses the fate of communities, families and for each other knows no bounds.” individuals in a historical context through a The author is Coordinator of the online exhibition in variety of materials at Yad Vashem. The exhibition the Internet Department, Communications Division. 13 Research

Prof. Dan Michman The Jewish Refugee Problem 1933-1945: Reconsidered

■ Some 50 years ago, the issue of the Jewish emphasized that “following WWII, the global refugees during the Nazi period occupied a community enacted universal principles and relatively central place in Holocaust research. instituted international organizations with Although the topic did not disappear completely, the express purpose of averting future crimes from the mid-1970s, Holocaust research against humanity. World leaders and the global increasingly focused on the persecutors and the community must put a stop to these atrocities mass murder during the “Final Solution.” The and avert further suffering, as well as provide fall of communism in Eastern Europe and the humanitarian assistance to the victims seeking opening of archives there further accelerated safe haven.” this process. With additional insights gained since then Yad Vashem Chairman in terms of Holocaust research in general, and in light of the acute refugee problem in recent Avner Shalev opened the ■ Greek researcher Dr. Nikolaos Tzafleris addressing years, the International Institute for Holocaust conference by calling conference participants Research organized an international conference between Jewish and non-Jewish refugees on in December 2016 to reconsider the topic of on the world to wake up the one hand and between different groups of Holocaust-era refugees. with regards to what is Jews on the other. Prof. Norman Goda, from The biennial international conference the University of Florida, Gainsville, delivered was attended by researchers from Germany, happening in Syria – the keynote address about refugees in the the Czech Republic, Croatia, Austria, the US, both the crimes being 1930s and 1940s from the perspective of James Greece, Serbia, Lithuania, the UK and Israel. McDonald, who served as “High Commissioner Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev opened perpetrated there and the for Refugees (Jewish and Other)" coming from the conference by calling on the world to wake Germany in the years 1933-1935. Other topics up with regards to what is happening in Syria – powerful wave of refugees discussed in depth included international Jewish both the crimes being perpetrated there and the feeling the country organizations and the refugee crisis in Europe; powerful wave of refugees fleeing the country. Jewish refugees in Croatia in the shadow of “In the past few weeks and months, the world The conference’s lectures sketched a broad the Holocaust; Turkish policy towards Jewish has witnessed the renewal of bloodshed in image of waves of refugees that surged during refugees during WWII; Jewish refugees in Tehran Syria," he said, and expressed his deep concern the 1930s and 1940s in Nazi-occupied areas during the war; and the role of the Italians in over “the appalling images of the massacre and in free territories (in Europe, North and the fate of the Jewish refugees aboard the illegal of human beings in the area of Aleppo." He South America, and the USSR), and relations immigrant vessel Pentcho. Mirilashvili Center International Workshop Jews and Non-Jews in the USSR during the Shoah

■ In November 2016, the Moshe Mirilashvili of the hatred that members of the Ukrainian Center for Research on the Holocaust in the nationalist organization OUN felt for the Jews Soviet Union at Yad Vashem’s International along with classic antisemitic stereotypes, Institute for Holocaust Research held a research such as blaming them for exploiting others, workshop, entitled “Jews and Non-Jews During promulgating ”Judeo-Bolshevist” ideology and the Holocaust in the USSR: The Perspective of acting as “agents of Moscow.” Prof. Himka Inter-Ethnic Relations.” argued that the young Ukrainian nationalists The workshop, which was attended by adopted the Nazi line, which caused a dramatic researchers from the US, Moldova, Canada, change vis-à-vis the Jews: In contrast with the Netherlands, Russia and Israel, was part ■ Prof. John-Paul Himka argued that during WWII the other peoples, it was no longer possible to of a multiannual study seeking to research young Ukrainian nationalists adopted the Nazi line incorporate them into Ukrainian society. That various aspects of this key topic. Prof. John- notwithstanding, Prof. Himka recalled that for Paul Himka, Emeritus Professor of History a lecture that elicited great interest. Prof. the Ukrainian nationalists, the Jews constituted at the University of Alberta, Canada, gave Himka emphasized the Nazi-style racist aspect a secondary enemy, and that the Ukrainian 14 The Jewish Refugee Problem 1933-1945: Reconsidered

the lectures and raised insights into the contemporary refugee problem. This panel featured Prof. Deborah Dwork of Clark University, Yad Vashem Academic Advisor Prof. Yehuda Bauer, Yad Vashem Chief Historian Prof. Dina Porat and Prof. Guy Miron of Yad Vashem and the Open University, Israel. The participants emphasized that the policy vis- à-vis refugees of the various countries that absorbed refugees during WWII became tougher as the problem worsened, and the conditions for the refugees varied greatly from country to country, albeit with some similar basic experiences. Regarding insights concerning refugees today, panel participants pointed out the altered place of antisemitism in the current discourse on the topic as compared to the Holocaust period, and that refugees during WWII had to leave Europe, whereas today they come from the Third World and the Mediterranean to Europe, which points to a ■ Kindertransport children from Hamburg, Germany aboard the “Washington" at Southampton, UK. change in the place of Europe in the awareness Yad Vashem Photo Archive of those seeking refuge. This conference was held with the generous During the third day of the conference a to Central Asia during the Holocaust, and Sara support of The Gertner Center for International special session on the topic of the Jewish refugees Bender of the University of Haifa focused on Holocaust Conferences and the Gutwirth Family in the USSR was held by the International the problem of Polish Jewish refugees in the Fund. A special session was supported by the Moshe Mirilashvili Center for Research on the Institute’s Moshe Mirilashvili Center for Research eastern Polish territories annexed to the USSR Holocaust in the Soviet Union. on the Holocaust in the Soviet Union. Eliyana from 1939-1941. The author is the Head of the International Institute Adler of Pennsylvania State University spoke The conference’s concluding discussion for Holocaust Research and Incumbent of the John about Jewish refugees from Poland who traveled summed up the picture that emerged from Najmann Chair of Holocaust Studies.

Jews and Non-Jews in the USSR during the Shoah Shlomit Shulhani

nationalist movement’s sworn enemies were The lecture of Dr. Leonid Rein of Yad further the mass murder of the Jews of Belarus the Poles and the Soviet regime. Vashem’s Research Institute addressed the image expanded, the greater the number of antisemitic Prof. Nikita Lomagin, Vice-Rector at the of Jews as reflected in Belaruskaya Hazeta, articles in the paper. Other participants presented European University, St. Petersburg, gave an the leading Belarussian-language newspaper, additional aspects in this field of research. overview of antisemitism in Leningrad during which was published under German occupation. The workshop afforded the participants the German siege. He claimed that there was a Dr. Rein illustrated how the image of Jews the opportunity to share their projects’ rapid increase in antisemitism between July- as depicted in the pages of the newspaper intermediate findings with their colleagues November 1941, which even caused Andrei constituted a mixture of racist-ideological and obtain important feedback for their Zhdanov, secretary of the Communist Party in images and classic antisemitic stereotypes. The continued research. Leningrad and the political official responsible paper actively promoted the idea that Jews were The Moshe Mirilashvili Center for Research on for the Leningrad front during WWII, to a misfortune that had befallen Belarus, and the Holocaust in the Soviet Union is supported give two public addresses in August 1941 voiced support for their physical annihilation, by Laura and Michael Mirilashvili. against the antisemitism spreading across even if it did not explicitly mention the mass The author is Coordinator of the Moshe Mirilashvili the city. murder of the Jews. Dr. Rein also noted that the Center for Research on the Holocaust in the Soviet Union, International Institute for Holocaust Research. research 15 Dr. Kim Wünschmann: 2016 International Book Prize Winner

■ On 13 December 2016, Yad Vashem from civil society and ultimately from the awarded its annual International Book Prize world, as Dr. Wünschmann wrote, ‘By using the for Holocaust Research in memory of Holocaust concentration camps as murderous instruments survivor Abraham Meir Schwarzbaum, and of deterrence, humiliation and expulsion, the family members murdered in the Holocaust, Gestapo and the SS helped to transform German to Dr. Kim Wünschmann, DAAD Lecturer in Jews from a heterogeneous minority group within Modern European History and Acting Deputy society to outsiders perceived as a homogeneous Director of the Centre for German-Jewish group of enemies to be excluded from German Studies at the University of Sussex, for her communal life. Concentration camps, therefore, book, Before Auschwitz: Jewish Prisoners in helped to shape an enemy category that was still ■ Left to right: Prof. Dina Porat, Dorit Novak, the Prewar Concentration Camps (Harvard prizewinner Dr. Kim Wünschmann, Prof. Dan Michman in the making.’ Thus the treatment of Jews in University Press, 2015). the prewar concentration camps paved the way The ceremony opened with a recorded broad description of the special treatment of for the systematic, pan-European (and beyond) greeting by Sabina Schwarzbaum, the prize Jewish inmates, offering detailed evidence for murder campaign of the Jews that unfolded donor who was absent from the event due to an understanding of the place of Jews in the between 1941 and 1945.” the birth of her daughter. Prof. Dan Michman, prewar camps, which, until now, was largely In addition to the winner of the Book Head of Yad Vashem's International Institute based on anecdotal evidence. This alone justifies Prize, there were also two honorable mentions: for Holocaust Research and Incumbent of the a close reading of Before Auschwitz. What turns Displaced Persons at Home: Refugees in the John Najmann Chair for Holocaust Studies, then the book into a major contribution to Holocaust Fabric of Jewish Life in Warsaw September presented Dr. Wünschmann with the award, and scholarship are the implications of this special 1939-July 1942 (Yad Vashem, 2015) by spoke about the judges’ considerations: “In her treatment of Jews in the prewar camps for our Yad Vashem's Dr. Lea Prais; and The Pope’s superbly researched and richly documented study, understanding of the quick acculturation of Dilemma: Pius XII Faces Atrocities and Genocide which systematically integrates perspectives the German public to the idea that the Jewish in the Second World War (University of Toronto and voices, Dr. Wünschmann has provided a neighbor was an enemy to be extirpated, first Press, 2015) by Prof. Jacques Kornberg. PhD Candidates Study the Holocaust in Poland ■ The International Research Institute’s Najmann Chair for Holocaust Studies, and the lectures. The day concluded with an open Center for Research on the Holocaust Center’s Director Prof. Havi Dreifuss welcomed discussion about contemporary challenges faced in Poland recently held a workshop for the participants and presented the goals of the by research students focusing on the Holocaust doctoral candidates in Israel. The goals of meeting. Afterwards, Prof. Barbara Engelking in Poland, including finding material, analyzing the workshop were to help build a network of the Polish Center for Holocaust Research in documentation, and learning the germane between research students working on topics Warsaw chaired a special session in which she languages for research. The participants also concerning Holocaust-era Poland, and to moderated a methodological discussion about discussed new ways to assist and promote facilitate a research-oriented discourse Holocaust-era documentation in Poland. Two research students. with a view to raising common issues and doctoral candidates, Maya Dover-Daffan and The Center for Research on the Holocaust in methodological problems. Noam Rachmilevtisch, presented their research Poland is generously supported by the Aaron Gutwirth Fund and the Danek Gertner Yad Prof. Dan Michman, Head of the International papers during the second half of the workshop, Vashem Scholarship. Research Institute and Incumbent of the John followed by a discussion about each of the International Workshop for Doctoral Students ■ In November 2016, the International implementation of Operation Reinhard; Jewish different archives. The speakers in this session Institute for Holocaust Research hosted a joint property in postwar Poland; Second Generation included Wiener Library Deputy Director workshop for PhD candidates, including fellows reflections on the Holocaust in Greece; apartheid and Head of Research Dr. Christine Schmidt; of the Claims Conference’s Kagan Fellowship in censorship and Holocaust memory in South International Tracing Service (ITS) Researcher Advanced Shoah Studies. The workshop, which Africa; trauma and testimony in the writings at the Wiener Library Mary Vrabecz; Dr. Zoe took place at Yad Vashem in cooperation with the of Otto Dov Kulka; and innovative research Waxman (Oxford University and Wiener Library); Wiener Library for the Study of the Holocaust on the question of collaboration or resistance Vincent Slatt of the United States Holocaust and Genocide (London) and the University of pertaining to ballet music and performance in Memorial Museum; Director of the Reference Tessaly (Greece), included participants from Nazi-occupied Paris. and Information Services Department in Yad the UK, Germany, Ukraine, Greece and Israel, In addition, the participants were given time Vashem's Archives Division Lital Beer; and who presented their doctoral research before to utilize the vast resources housed in the Yad Director of Yad Vashem’s International Institute their peers and Yad Vashem researchers. The Vashem Archives and Libraries. A special meeting for Holocaust Research Dr. Iael Nidam Orvieto. variety of topics included vocal music in the was dedicated to discuss available resources in The workshop was held with the generous support Terezin ghetto; Jewish students in Thessaloniki various institutions, problems and dilemmas of of the Gutwirth Family Fund and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. during WWII; reactions to the deportation of archival notations, and diverse governmental Jews from Thessaloniki; the planning of the laws regarding identical collections housed in 16 Fellows Corner: Dr. Anna Marczisovszky ■ Since she began her Hungarian, French and at first, and with greater frequency from the Jewish emigration Holocaust studies at the ELTE University in 1960s, collections about the ghettoization press. Another Budapest, Dr. Anna Marczisovszky has focused and deportation of Hungarian Jews, as well as notable difference is on the artistic representation of the Holocaust novels and memoirs were published, films were the use of obscure or and Jewish identity in the postwar years in released and, from the 1980s, scholars could generalized wording, Hungary, specifically the Communist period even travel abroad, conferences were organized such as ‘the victims of 1948-1989. and Jewish identity could be manifested of fascism,‘ in the In the first three years following the end of more and more openly. Yet, there was still a Hungarian press, WWII, Hungary‘s new coalition government, noticeable ‘dejewification’ (a term coined by which was absent in which included the Communist Party, set the Hungarian philosopher Ágnes Heller) in the emigrant press.“ about trying war criminals; the press freely Hungarian literature, in which Jewish heroes A literature discussed antisemitism during the war; and some were nevertheless presented as non-Jews." devotee, Dr. Marczisovszky has taken particular Hungarian Jewish writers published accounts of Dr. Marczisovszky came to Yad Vashem pleasure in discovering in the Yad Vashem what was later to be known as the Holocaust in with the aim of trying to place the so-called Archives Hungarian literary texts (novels and Hungary. As historian Paul Hanebrink explains, “policy of forgetting" of the communist poems) published in Israel and in North and however, once the one-party rule was established era in an international context. Using the South America between 1945 and 1989. “Though in 1948, the communists created and defended extensive resources of the Yad Vashem Archives, I spent only three months at Yad Vashem, my an official memory in which the heroic Red she compared articles published in New stay was highly fruitful," she concludes. “Besides Army liberated Hungary from fascist tyranny Life, the official journal of the Hungarian my own research, I enjoyed attending all the and gave Hungarians the chance to create a Jewish community in Hungary, with those lectures and events taking place at Yad Vashem, new and just workers’ state. The triumph of written by immigrants to Canada, Uruguay, especially the conference on Jewish refugees communism thus relieved Hungarian society Argentina, Brazil and Israel. “It soon became during WWII that took place in December of any serious examination of its own past, apparent that there were discernable differences [see pp. 14-15], the closing panel of which and public discourse about the Holocaust or in the language of these papers,“ says Dr. (comparing the refugee crisis after the war to one’s Jewish identity became almost impossible. Marczisovszky. “For example, while recording those of today) I found extremely important for “After the defeat of the revolution in 1956 the fate of Hungarian Jewry before and during us, the researchers of the Holocaust." against the government of the Hungarian the war, articles in New Life do not fail to add in Dr. Marczisovszky received support from Yad People’s Republic and its Soviet-imposed most of them that ‘ideological touch,’ required Vashem‘s International Institute for Holocaust Research and the Fund for Research of the policies, some 25,000 Jews emigrated to Israel, by the official policy. Not surprisingly, the Holocaust in Hungary and Hungarian Jewish America, Australia and Western Europe,” glorification of the liberating Soviet Army and History in Honor of Dr. Ingrid Tauber. Dr. Marczisovszky explains. “Sporadically of the beneficence of the regime is absent in the IHRA’s Growing Impact ■ Adoption of the Working Definition of contemporary examples that could constitute research and discussion of the Shoah and of the Antisemitism by the government of the United antisemitism, such as denying the Holocaust; roles of Poles in the persecution and murder of Kingdom; embarking on a project to develop an drawing parallels between Israeli policy and Jews. The opening of a criminal investigation interactive map of areas of concern; engaging the Nazis; and denying the Jewish people against a Princeton University historian, Polish- with the government of Poland regarding their right to self-determination, for example, born Jan Tomasz Gross, several months ago on the investigation of a historian for research by claiming that the existence of a State of suspicion of purportedly defaming the Polish conclusions that he voiced in an interview, Israel is a racist endeavor. The Government nation has reinforced these concerns. IHRA as well as proposed legislation that could of the UK adopted the definition in December has engaged in discussions with the Polish threaten to intimidate scholars, educators 2016, as had the UK College of Policing and government on these matters, and in December and others in their discussions of the Shoah other institutions around the world earlier. The 2016, an IHRA delegation met in Warsaw with in Poland – these are but a few of the many definition is under discussion for adoption in senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign examples of the growing influence and impact many European and international forums, an Affairs and Justice, and with members of of the International Holocaust Remembrance important step in combatting antisemitism. the Polish Senate. The delegation included Alliance (IHRA). IHRA is also embarking on a project to Ambassador Michael Baier (chair), Co-Head The Working Definition of Antisemitism produce an interactive map that will call of the Austrian delegation to IHRA; Dr. David adopted by IHRA at its plenary meeting in attention to neglected authentic sites and Silberklang of Yad Vashem and the Israeli Bucharest in May 2016 says: “Antisemitism other issues of concern regarding Holocaust delegation to IHRA; Mark Weitzman of the is a certain perception of Jews, which may be remembrance, education and research. The Simon Wiesenthal Center and the US delegation expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical project will be led by a team of IHRA experts to IHRA; and world-renowned British lawyer and physical manifestations of antisemitism drawn from its various working groups and Dr. Anthony Julius. are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish committees. A pilot is already being prepared. Israel’s delegation, co-headed by Yad Vashem individuals and/or their property, toward IHRA experts have expressed great concern Chairman Avner Shalev, has been at the heart of Jewish community institutions and religious in recent months regarding proposed Polish these developments and more, in which IHRA facilities.” The definition highlights several legislation that they fear will impinge on free continues to leave its mark. research 17 Yad Vashem Studies Seizing the Opportunity Robbing the Jews During the Shoah Dr. David Silberklang

■ What happened to Jewish property and into the hands of local Christians in various Dr. Ionescu analyzes the beneficiaries of the belongings during the Holocaust? How did manners, but extortion of Jews and German Antonescu regime’s Romanianization policies in property and belongings find their way to rewards for collaboration in the mass murder Bukovina, particularly in Czernowitz, during the local non-Jewish hands, and what happened of Jews were the most common. Dr. Wylegała period 1941-1943. These beneficiaries included to it afterward? As Dr. Anna Wylegała and Dr. also shows the potentially opposite roles that both “Californian” colonists (Bukovina was Stefan¸ Ionescu show in two articles in the new greed for Jewish property could play in a Jew’s known then as Romania’s “California” because issue of Yad Vashem Studies (44:2), there were chances for survival. Jewish accounts frequently of its many opportunities for profit) and local profiteers. The economic Romanianization Jewish property made policy instituted by Antonescu triggered sharp competition between these two groups. They its way into the hands of were motivated by greed and the desire to get local Christians in various rich quick at the Jews’ expense, and by the hope to evade mobilization into the Romanian manners, but extortion of armed forces and transfer to the eastern front. Jews and German rewards Whereas these ethnic Romanian profiteers for collaboration in the earned their reputation for greed, corruption mass murder of Jews A Jewish person’s were the most common belongings could be either an opening to various routes and methods for the widespread and often zealous theft of Jewish belongings and murder, or an opening to property during the Holocaust. In many cases, a path to survival this theft was also driven by murderous zeal. At the same time, a Jewish person’s belongings could be either an opening to murder, or an and ruthlessness, some of them collaborated opening to a path to survival. with local Jewish entrepreneurs and skilled Dr. Wylegała and Dr. Ionescu examine workers to run their new businesses. This enabled two neighboring regions: Eastern Galicia and the Jews to stay in their city as indispensable Northern Bukovina. Their articles reveal many skilled employees, which in turn increased their differences between the two regions before and They were motivated chances for survival. during the war, yet the greed to take Jewish Antisemitism laced with greed abounded property and belongings bridges these gaps. by greed and the desire during the Shoah, as did local willingness to One of the differences was the controlling be rid of the Jews or even to murder them. Still, power – Germany, which occupied Eastern to get rich quick at the at times the greed could lead to efforts to leave Galicia, or Romania, which had reclaimed and Jews’ expense the Jews alive, and Jews often tried to exploit annexed Northern Bukovina – that influenced these momentary opportunities for life. the nature and perpetrators of the theft. discuss Poles and Ukrainians from this region This publication of this volume was made possible Based on a wide variety of diaries, memoirs, as perpetrators, and judge these erstwhile through the generous support of Samson Charity Foundation (Switzerland) and Hamburger Stiftung testimonies and interviews, Dr. Wylegała’s neighbors very harshly. This reflects “the zur Förderung von Wissenschaft und Kultur. “About ‘Jewish Things’: Jewish Property in tremendous disappointment that the Jews felt The author is Senior Historian in the International Eastern Galicia During World War II” examines toward their neighbors.” In tracing the postwar Institute for Holocaust Research, and Editor-in-Chief the takeover of Jewish property and belongings fate of this property, Dr. Wylegała finds that of Yad Vashem Studies. in what became the wartime Galicia District local people had hardly any regrets or second in the Generalgouvernement of Poland. Here, thoughts. As one local Ukrainian noted in an both Germans, whether acting privately or on-camera interview, “When he was carting To order these and other Yad Vashem publications: Jewish belongings to an empty synagogue officially, and the Jews’ Polish and Ukrainian Tel. 972-2-6443511, Fax 972-2-6443509 neighbors plundered Jewish property, often in in Bóbrka on German orders in 1942, he was [email protected] close connection to violence against the Jews. young and stupid. Today he would have kept Or purchase through our online store: Jewish belongings and property made their way more for himself.” www.yadvashem.org 18 research Jews Rescuing Jews Brothers in Arms

Iris Bar-Nir Cohen

■ Jakob Abramovicz was a partisan and brother Gabriel stayed behind in Dworzec. The commander in Tuvia Bielski’s family camp. In Germans murdered the camp inmates not long February 2016, Abramovicz’s wish was fulfilled afterwards, including Gabriel. when his wartime personal belongings were Jakob Abramovicz roamed the forests, and donated to Yad Vashem for eternal safekeeping. after a prolonged search of the area, he managed Born in 1913, Abramovicz fought the Nazis in to locate the family camp of Tuvia Bielski and the Nowogrodek Forest (today in Belarus) alongside join the group. “I opened my eyes one morning,” his Jewish compatriots. “Jakob Abramovicz was he later recalled, “and there I was, among Jews! a dedicated and loyal soldier who performed Among partisans! I was already flouting the extremely dangerous missions,” noted Tuvia Bielski Germans! I was no longer afraid. Tuvia told after the war. “He carried out his assignments with me, ‘Jakob, polish your gun, brush the horse, love and dauntlessly risked his life.” and prepare yourself. Tomorrow at six you’re to report for a mission.’” The mission, an example of which was depicted in the film Defiance, was to blow up railroad tracks. Jakob Abramovicz lived in the forest for more ■ Jakob Abramovicz (center, with fellow Jewish than two years while fighting with the partisans. partisans) in the Bielski Family Camp He commanded a mounted unit and was later transferred to a unit of saboteurs. He was wounded donated to Yad Vashem provide information a number of times throughout the war. and concrete evidence of the unique activities of At the family camp, Abramovicz met Yokheved Tuvia Bielski’s family camp, a partisan camp that Slucki, whom he had known in Nowogrodek received international exposure in the wake of Defiance. Abramovicz’s boots still bear signs of ■ After the war, Abramovicz made models that before the war while studying Torah at her great- illustrated how the partisans lived in the town and grandfather’s home. Slucki had managed to flee the repairs made at the camp, crude seams and the forest to the forest after her son and husband had been wooden nails intended to strengthen the heels Abramovicz first heard about the Bielski murdered by the Germans. and which attest to life in the forest. brothers, who hid in the forest and conducted Jakob and Yokheved married After the war, Jakob Abramovicz built operations against the German army, while he was after the war and immigrated model pack horses with carts of timber and still in the Nowogrodek ghetto. He sought to join to Eretz Israel. They had two hay, illustrating how the partisans lived in their ranks, and with his mother’s encouragement, daughters. In 2009, Jakob the town and the forest. These models were he attempted to escape the ghetto and join up Abramovicz died at the age also donated to Yad Vashem's Artifacts with the Jewish partisans. When his plan failed, of 97. Collection. he devised an alternative scheme. Jakob Abramovicz’s Abramovicz’s granddaughter Idit Orani Rumors traversing the ghetto had it that the partisan-era possessions facilitated the transfer of his treasured partisans usually came to the Dworzec labor camp and photographs that were mementos to Yad Vashem. “We, the outside the town to bathe. Abramovicz and his family, are delighted to have fulfilled my younger brother Gabriel looked for a way to reach grandfather’s wishes,” she said. “Here they Dworzec where, they hoped, they would be able can be properly preserved and displayed to link up with the group of fighters. for generations to come.” With the aid of a friend, the Abramovicz The author is Associate Curator in the Artifacts brothers managed to get out of the ghetto and Department, Museums Division. into the camp, where they joined a group of loggers. Two weeks after they fled, the ghetto was From 1983, Yad Vashem Benefactor liquidated and all its inhabitants were murdered. David Berg z”l generously supported Yad Abramovicz met Bielski’s partisans in Dworzec, Vashem’s development on the Mount of Remembrance. Since his passing, The David Berg though they told him that Bielski’s orders were Foundation has partnered with Yad Vashem that no one could join the fighters without a gun. to digitize photographs as well as preserve To order these and other Yad Vashem publications: precious artworks and artifacts from the Shoah. Tel. 972-2-6443511, Fax 972-2-6443509 With the help of a friend from the labor camp, Most recently, The David Berg Foundation has [email protected] he managed to obtain a rifle in poor condition, supported the conservation of artworks and artifacts in Yad Vashem’s vast collections, Or purchase through our online store: fled the camp and hoped that the Bielskis would ■ The boots and trousers worn by Abramovicz examples of which are highlighted above. www.yadvashem.org accept him despite his substandard weapon. His as a partisan during the war collections 19 “We Are No Longer Alone”

Family Reunion at Yad Vashem Leah Goldstein

■ Sisters Henia Moskowitz and Rywka Peczenik went through life believing they were alone. Their parents, Symcha and Jenta Borenstein, had died when they were young, and they were told that their extended family had been wiped out in the Holocaust. Symcha and Jenta had fled Warsaw during WWII with three of their children, Hercz-Lejb, Abram and Rywka; Hana (Henia) was born in Siberia. In September 1948, Jenta and Symcha immigrated to Israel together with their two daughters. The family was sure they were the only survivors of Jenta’s entire family – her brother, Nisan Band, and four other sisters. However, before Jenta’s escape from Poland, Nisan had also fled to the USSR. While neither Jenta nor Nisan knew of each other’s fate, throughout the years, Nisan never gave up ■ Newly united cousins Fania Balakai and Henia Borenstein Moskowitz hold a picture of Fania’s father, Nisan Band hope of finding some remnants of his family. His children, Fania Balakai and Gennadi Band, immigrated to Israel with their families in the Symcha Borenstein. At the foot of the form, Department, Archives Division, conducted a mass aliya of the 1990s. Symcha noted that he was Nisan’s brother- search of the Pages of Testimony as well as the Towards the end of 2016, following a in-law. Bewildered and curious, Fania and ITS (International Tracing Service) database, “roots trip” to Poland, Fania searched Yad her son Evgeni came to Yad Vashem to find where she discovered the family connection. Vashem’s Central Database of Shoah Victims’ out who, they believed, had mistakenly Velkovich’s investigation of the story also Names, and discovered a Page of Testimony commemorated Nisan. Sima Velkovich of Yad revealed that Rywka and Henia were still in memory of her father Nisan, filled out by Vashem’s Reference and Information Services living in Israel, and on 13 December 2016, Gathering Holocaust-era Effects in the FSU Orit Noiman ■ In September 2016, Nadezhda Kurbatova in the Commonwealth of Independent States who live in remote towns located far from the née Biletski (b. 1939, Vinnitsa, Ukraine) came (CIS). The purpose of the collection days is to city center, and JDC representatives organized to a collection day organized by Yad Vashem locate, preserve and discover the stories behind transportation from the outlying areas to the in coordination with the “Hessed” (Jewish Holocaust-era items. The collection days were documentation center. Community Center) in Vinnitsa. Kurbatova run by the JDC in the Jewish communities The collection days held in both communities survived the Holocaust in hiding under a of Vinnitsa and Lvov and took place at were impressive in terms of both quantity and false identity at the children’s home of Lidiya “Hessed” institutions. Employees volunteered content. Over 160 people, including 67 Holocaust Postolovskaya in the old city of Vinnitsa. After to collect and register the material after being survivors, brought more than 1,700 items to be the war, her father Nikolai returned from the trained, coached and aided by Yad Vashem registered and copied. Photographs accounted front and the two were reunited. At the collection representatives. Concurrently, project staff for approximately half of the material, mostly day, during which she was accompanied by her visited the homes of Holocaust survivors who documenting pre-Holocaust Jewish community daughter Svetlana, Kurbatova brought several could not make the journey to the designated life, as well as wartime photos. Copies of the family photographs and photographs from the centers. Yad Vashem’s professional team brought documentation were transferred to Yad Vashem children’s home taken in 1944. digitization equipment to prepare high-quality and catalogued, and they will be made viewable The collection day was one of a number copies of the documentation. for the general public. of such events recently conducted by Yad The challenge in the Vinnitsa district was The author is Head of the Collection and Registration Vashem in partnership with the American more complex. Yad Vashem received numerous Section, Archives Division. Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) inquiries from members of the community 20 While neither Jenta nor Names Recovery Among Nisan knew of each other's fate, throughout the years, Russian-Speaking Nisan never gave up hope Communities Worldwide of finding some remnants Olga Litvak of his family ■ “They refused to submit to the Nazis’ [sic.] grows heavier with each story.” instructions to come to their command center Many names of Holocaust victims are obtained in Odessa. The Nazis came to their house, pulled through cooperation with the “Return Dignity” the four of them out (it was winter) and poured project of the Russian Jewish Congress and the the cousins finally met at Yad Vashem for the buckets of water on them, which froze immediately Russian Research and Educational Holocaust very first time. and turned them into ice statues. They froze to Center. Both are longstanding partners of Yad At the emotional reunion, Henia described death slowly and in torturous agony. The neighbors Vashem, and the latter erects memorials at sites her shock when she received the call from Yad saw everything through the window and told me.” where Jews were murdered in Russia. The names of Vashem that she had a cousin who was looking the victims listed at every memorial were gathered for her. “At first, I thought there was a mistake,” So recounted Beyla Sotulina to Nataly Chertok, thanks to the joint efforts of researchers and local she explained. “However, today when we met, a volunteer with the Moscow-based “Memory, I felt a connection at first sight; my family has Help, Generations” project that partners with grown overnight. Thanks to Yad Vashem, we Yad Vashem to help retrieve names of Holocaust discovered that we are no longer alone.” victims. Chertok was helping Sotulina fill out “It is difficult to describe how I feel,” added Pages of Testimony in memory of her friend Luba Fania, who shared old family pictures she had Rabinovitch, her sister Beba and their parents. saved of her father Nisan in Poland before the Yad Vashem’s Shoah Victims’ Names Recovery war. “I am deeply moved and very happy. My Project operates around the world, and in father always searched for members of his family cooperation with various Jewish organizations and dreamed of finding them. His dream has (communities, welfare centers, etc.) in the Former finally come true.” Soviet Union. Thanks to their support, an entire network of volunteers interview survivors and To date, Yad Vashem has identified over ■ two-thirds of the Jews murdered during the Volunteers help fill out Pages of Testimony in potential witnesses, assisting them with filling memory of Holocaust victims at an event marking Holocaust. Some four million seven hundred out Pages of Testimony and questionnaires for thousand names are documented on the VE Day 2016 near the Moscow Choral Synagogue survivors and evacuees. The volunteers work Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names – volunteers with the Names Recovery Project. available online at www.yadvashem.org with staff of “Hessed” Jewish community centers in English, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish and The project’s volunteers also work with the in various cities such as St. Petersburg, Lvov, German. A family reunion such as this one, which Russian-speaking communities of other countries. occurred thanks to information filled out on Pages Khmelnitsky, Kherson and Minsk. Over the course Alexander Konovalchuk from Ulm, Germany of Testimony, is rare. Nevertheless, Yad Vashem of some eight months, for example, volunteer is committed to aiding anyone in search of lost not only managed to speak with almost every Tamara Margolina at the Jewish History and family members. For more information, please potential witness in the city’s Jewish community, contact: [email protected] Culture Museum of Belarus (Minsk) managed but also makes frequent trips to cities in Bavaria to fill out some 1,700 Pages of Testimony after and interviews people from other communities. interviewing everyone who had joined such In addition, the project has volunteers who call centers in Minsk, Gomel and other cities in the Collecting Names Russian-speakers around the world. Erica Teller, past four years. who survived the Holocaust in the Terezin ghetto Via Social Media Volunteers for the “Memory, Help, at a young age, comes to Yad Vashem almost every Generations” project, supported by the American ■ Yad Vashem recently launched a successful day and handles phone calls for the project. As Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, have been digital campaign on social media with an part of her volunteer work, she also accompanies striving to take part in almost all of the city’s urgent call to action to recover the names groups of survivors visiting Germany and always events concerning Jewish life in order to capitalize of Shoah victims and record them in Yad tells her personal story at these meetings. “But most on any possibility of telling about the Names Vashem’s online Names Database so that they of all, I talk about how important Yad Vashem’s Recovery Project. They also make a concerted will always be remembered. The campaign was Shoah Victims’ Names Recovery Project is, and effort to visit survivors’ homes several times carefully designed to reach out to anyone who how relevant it still is for contemporary times,” in order to obtain pictures of the victims. This might have information regarding the names of she said. “Not everyone is aware of the fact that requires them to travel to a laboratory to make Holocaust victims through social media groups Yad Vashem currently lacks some one million three high-quality copies of the pictures, and then based on geographical data and interests. Videos hundred thousand names of Holocaust victims. take the originals back to the survivor’s home. and social media posts in English, Hebrew and We’re determined to recover them all.” Russian garnered high engagement activity “In those areas of the FSU where the distances are great, the volunteers often become the only For assistance in filling out Pages of Testimony, and were widely shared around the world. The please contact the Shoah Victims Names Recovery campaign helped spread the urgency of the attentive listeners to the elderly people they’re Project: [email protected]. For Russian speakers, [email protected] message of this historic effort to record the interviewing,” says Sara Berkowitz, Head of Yad name of each individual Jewish man, woman Vashem’s Shoah Victims’ Names Recovery Project. The Shoah Victims Names Recovery Project is generously supported by Dana and Yossie Hollander. and child murdered in the Holocaust. “The people giving testimony tell many tragic and moving memories and stories to the volunteers. The author is the Coordinator for the Shoah Victims’ For more information, please contact: The emotional burden on the volunteers’ shoulders Names Recovery Project in the Hall of Names, [email protected] Archives Division. collections 21 News Avner Shalev Awarded Spanish Order of Civil Merit

■ On 15 December, Yad Vashem Chairman extraordinary service of Spanish and foreign Avner Shalev (left) received the prestigious citizens on behalf of the King and the Spanish Spanish title of Commander of the Order of Nation. There are several grades of this citation. Civil Merit. On behalf of the King of Spain, Previous recipients of the various levels of the Spanish Ambassador to Israel H.E. Mr. Fernando Order of Civil Merit have included heads of Carderera Soler (right) presented Shalev with state, members of royalty, ministers, diplomats the award at an intimate ceremony at the and senior functionaries. residence of the Ambassador, in the presence Over many years, Director of the Latin- of members of the Yad Vashem Directorate America, Miami, Spain and Portugal Desk and staff, family and close friends. Shalev was in Yad Vashem's International Relations hoto: Daniel Babczyk Daniel hoto:

commended for his years of public service as Division Perla Hazan has developed a rich and P Chairman of Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust deep relationship with Centro Sefarad-Israel. Remembrance Center, and for the significant “I view this award not only as a personal tribute to Spain and Yad Vashem’s efforts in the strides he has made in Holocaust education to me, but also as recognition of the collective fields of Holocaust research, education and and commemoration in Spain and around efforts of all who are involved, professionally commemoration, Shalev emphasized the need the world. and with much devotion, both at Yad Vashem to “continue the discourse in order to guard our The Order of Civil Merit (Orden del Mérito and their counterparts in Spain,” said Shalev. human values, especially in today’s politically Civil) was established in 1926 to recognize Recalling the Jewish people’s deep connection and economically tense world.”

Agreement with the Albanian National Archives

Chair for Holocaust Documentation Dr. Haim WWII was unique: A mostly Muslim country, Gertner; Albanian Ambassador to Israel H.E. Albania was the only European state whose Dr. Bardhyl Canaj; and Deputy Director General Jewish population was higher at the end of the for Euro-Asia at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Holocaust than when it began. This was thanks Affairs Ambassador (ret.) H.E. Mr. Zvi Rav-Ner. to the initiative of the Albanian people who, This milestone agreement follows an MOU signed in accordance with their core values and pan- between Yad Vashem’s International School for Albanian culture, valued human life and thus Holocaust Studies and the Albanian Ministry of came to aid, shelter and rescue many Jewish Education earlier this year, supporting educational refugees fleeing from the German Nazis and seminars at Yad Vashem on how to educate future their collaborators. Some of these heroic stories ■ On 31 October, a Memorandum of generations about the Holocaust. Participants of are highlighted in the Yad Vashem exhibition Understanding (MOU) was signed between the first seminar for Albanian educators attended ‘BESA: A Code of Honor – Muslim Albanians Yad Vashem and the Albanian National the signing ceremony. Who Rescued Jews During the Holocaust' [now Archives. Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev “The Albanian Archives contains, among viewable online]. We hope that this agreement and Albanian National Archives Director Dr. others, documents that will shed light on the will lead to a deeper cooperation between our Ardit Bido signed the MOU in the presence of rescue of Jews in Albania during the Shoah,” two countries, as well as our two institutions, Yad Vashem Archives Director and Fred Hillman explained Dr. Gertner. “Albanian history during in order to further expose this unique story.”

“Jewish Eye” Film Festival Collection Deposited in Visual Center

■ The “Jewish Eye” Film Festival, founded by Veteran Israeli producers-directors Kastel Gadi Kastel and Oded Guy, recently deposited and Guy directed the “Jewish Eye" Film Festival 67 films of different genres in Yad Vashem’s in southern Israel for 13 years. Motivated by a digital film library located in the Visual Center. desire to make international cinema accessible All of the films, originally produced in various to Israeli audiences, the duo invested in Hebrew languages, are subtitled in Hebrew. The films translations of films. Recently, the Visual present stories from diverse points of view, Center undertook a digital preservation project including Henryk Wars – Songster of Warsaw, of the translated films, thanks to a generous (Wieslaw Dabrowski, 2007, Poland), The Commisar grant from Yad Vashem Builder Artur Brauner (Aleksandr Askoldov, 1967, USSR), Sigrid & Isaac (pictured), the venerable German-Jewish (Anders Wahlgren, 2005, Sweden) and Under filmmaker, Holocaust survivor and longtime Strange Skies (Daniel Blaufuks, 2002, Portugal). supporter of the Visual Center. 22 Events at Yad Vashem: October 2016 - January 2017 Avital Vider

Symposium in Memory of Prof. Elie Wiesel, z”l ■ On 6 November 2016, Yad Vashem hosted of the first to express the a symposium entitled: “‘We Must Become need not only to relate the Messengers’ Messengers’: The Legacy what happened during the of Prof. Elie Wiesel, z”l,” in the presence Shoah, but also to find and of Israel’s President H.E. Mr. Reuven Rivlin explain its significance for and Dr. Joseph Ciechanover, Member of the our generation and those to Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity-Israel. come… as a survivor, he felt President Rivlin recalled Prof. Wiesel’s a special responsibility to ■ Prof. Elie Wiesel, z"l words at the opening of Yad Vashem’s Holocaust fight injustice. He dedicated History Museum in March 2005. There, Wiesel his great talents to expressing the ethical charged future generations to remember what implications of the Holocaust and to recruiting ■ President Reuven Rivlin happened in order to change the world for the all of humanity to the moral responsibility they better. “It is no longer enough for us to sear message… To repair the world a little more.” engender.” The event concluded with a panel into the consciousness of our children, our In investigating the unique qualities of discussion on the topic of “Survivors and the future, the images, the voices and the names,” Elie Wiesel as both a witness and a messenger Memory of the Shoah,” featuring Prof. Hanna the President said. “Remembrance must become of Holocaust remembrance, Yad Vashem Yablonka, Dr. Shimon Azulay and Israeli poet a moral, social and ethical code. To pass on the Chairman Avner Shalev said: “He was one Agi Mishol.

Marking 78 Years Since Symposium for Military Yad Vashem Participates in Kristallnacht Attachés Chelmno Ceremony

■ “The day after, I met a friend and we went ■ On 7 December 2016, Yad Vashem held its ■ On 8 December 2016, the Chelmno to the synagogue together. We found it in ruins first-ever symposium for 14 military attachés extermination camp memorial in Poland and strewn with wreckage. Being pious Jews, from different countries. Yad Vashem Chairman held a memorial ceremony marking the we picked up as many prayer books and torn Avner Shalev delivered the opening remarks, 75th anniversary of the arrival of the first pages as we could, kissed them devotedly and put and Yad Vashem Academic Advisor Prof. Yehuda group of Jews deported to the camp. During them back on the remaining tables and shelves.” the ceremony, Yad Vashem Chairman Avner From the testimony of Felix Rinde, Shalev and Tzipi Zilberman, daughter of a child in Vienna in 1938 the late Szymon Srebrnik, a survivor of the On the eve of 9 November 2016, Yad Vashem camp, spoke to the audience via a live feed held a public symposium marking 78 years from Yad Vashem’s Holocaust Art Museum. since the Kristallnacht pogrom. Dr. Na’ama Excerpts from Srebrnik’s testimony, which are Shik, Director of the e-Learning Department in displayed in the Holocaust History Museum, the International School for Holocaust Studies, were screened at the start of the ceremony in addressed the audience on, “How Do You Tell a Chelmno. The ceremony was broadcast live Child Goodbye? Mother, Father and Child: The Bauer gave a lecture about US Army policy on Polish television. Kindertransport,” and actress, playwright and during WWII. The participants later took a director Sarah von Schwarze gave a presentation guided tour of the Holocaust History Museum entitled “Between Two Worlds.” and received a behind-the-scenes visit of the Yad Vashem Archives.

Concert in Memory of Jewish Composers Murdered in the Holocaust ■ On 21 November 2016, Yad Vashem held a who were murdered in Auschwitz, along special event marking the 75th anniversary of with additional compositions by Holocaust the establishment of the Terezin ghetto. The victims. The pieces were performed by soprano evening began with a musical guided tour of Alexandra Wilson and conductor and clarinetist the Holocaust History Museum, during which Dan Rapoport. participants passed by six stations and heard live music with brief explanations. The event concluded with a special concert at the Yad The author assists production in the Events Vashem Auditorium, featuring pieces written Department, Commemoration and Community in the Terezin ghetto by Jewish composers Relations Division.

www.yadvashem.org for regular updates on events at Yad Vashem news 23 News RECENT VISITS TO YAD VASHEM During October 2016-January 2017, Yad Vashem conducted some 270 guided tours for more than 3,800 official visitors from Israel and abroad. These guests included heads of state and local government, ambassadors, mayors, NGO officials, and military and cultural attaches. Following is a small selection of our honored guests over these four months: ■ Prime Minister of the Russian Federation ■ President of Poland H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda ■ President of Guatemala H.E. Mr. Jimmy H.E. Dr. Dmitry Medvedev visited Yad Vashem on (right) visited Yad Vashem on 17 January 2017 Morales (right) and his wife Patricia Marroquín 11 November 2016 as part of his official state visit accompanied by his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda were guided through Yad Vashem on to Israel. The Prime Minister was greeted by Yad and former Israeli Ambassador to Poland and 28 November 2016 by Director of the Hall Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev and accompanied former Chairman of the Yad Vashem Council of Names Dr. Alexander Avram. “Humanity by several members of his government. Prof. Szewach Weiss. In the Yad Vashem Guest cannot surrender to actions that threaten “It is very important for us to understand Book, the President wrote: “Yad Vashem presents its very existence,” said President Morales. the nature of the devastation of the Holocaust,” the Holocaust and the tragedy of the Jewish “The Government of Guatemala joins the remarked the Prime Minister. “It is chilling to people from the widest perspective… What condemnation of the unacceptable acts see the sheer magnitude of horrors suffered happened [during the Holocaust] is impossible undertaken during the Holocaust, when by the victims of an entire nation, the Jewish to grasp but the message of Yad Vashem shows innocent people fell victim to persecution and people. The memory of the six million Jews us all the dangers of hatred and what it can lead destruction without any reason.” who perished in the Holocaust – an example of to.” Following the visit, Ms. Kornhauser-Duda the indifference and the terrible crimes of the was presented with documentation regarding twentieth century – should be forever etched Jewish members of her family, some of whom in the history of mankind.” survived the Holocaust, and some of whom were murdered during the Holocaust. The visit of the President followed the visit in November 2016 of Polish Prime Minister H.E. Ms. Beata Szydło.

■ Romanian Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Lazar˘ Comanescu˘ visited Yad Vashem on 17 November 2016. An ongoing educational agreement between Yad Vashem and Romania has brought hundreds of teachers and community leaders to participate in seminars at Yad Vashem’s International School ■ During his tour of Yad Vashem on 24 January, for Holocaust Studies. Additionally, the Romanian Prime Minister of Croatia H.E. Mr. Andrej leadership of IHRA (International Holocaust Plenkovic´ (left) viewed the Oscar awarded Remembrance Alliance) is an example for other to Croatian film producer and Holocaust ■ Portuguese Foreign Minister H.E. Prof. European nations of how to confront and come survivor Branko Lustig for Schindler's List, Augusto Santos Silva (left) visited Yad Vashem to terms with their history of perpetration and which is displayed in Yad Vashem's Visual on 24 November 2016. In the Yad Vashem Guest collaboration in the persecution of Jews. The Center. “We are determined to strengthen our Book, Minister Silva wrote: “I pay my deepest Foreign Minister of Romania committed to engagement in promoting values of mutual respects to all the Jewish men, women and support several additional programs, including respect, understanding and tolerance," he said. children who were the victims of the Holocaust. the retrieval of Romanian Shoah victims’ names. “My dedication to this fight [against] every form Our duty is to work together… to avoid any of hate, racism and Holocaust denial has been repetition of this horrific evil.” reinforced by today's visit."

■ Also among our honored visitors: President Interior H.E. Mr. Jan Jamboon (16 November Voreqe Bainimarama (7 November 2016); of Sierra Leon H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma 2016); Prime Minister of Swaziland H.E. Dr. Prime Minister of Jamaica H.E. Mr. Andrew (10 January 2017); Belgian Deputy Prime Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini (20 December Holness (12 January 2017); Foreign Minister Minister and Minister of Security and 2016); Prime Minister of Fiji H.E. Mr. Josaia of Uruguay H.E. Mr. Rodolfo Nin Novoa 24 New Benefactors Sara and Rolando Uziel ■ Rolando Uziel was born in Casablanca, recent contribution to Yad Vashem endowed Morocco in 1936. In 1945, he immigrated “The Garden of Contemplation” and “The ■ On 30 October 2016, Italian President H.E. Mr. with his family to Mexico. After completing his Garden Opposite the Children’s Memorial,” Sergio Mattarella (center) was guided through architecture studies at Harvard University in as well as a classroom in the International Yad Vashem by Director of the International the US, he returned to Mexico in the 1950s and Seminars Wing of the International School for Institute for Holocaust Research Dr. Iael Nidam joined the family jewelry business, becoming Holocaust Studies. Yad Vashem expresses its Orvieto. “The wound of the Holocaust remains a pioneer in the field. deep appreciation for the Uziels’ continuing open for all of us who respect life and cherish Parallel to his commercial activity, Rolando friendship and support. human values,” the President said. “Every victim Uziel is very active in the Jewish community of is a loss for humanity… Yad Vashem belongs Mexico. Between 1974 and 1976, he served as not only to Israel and the Jewish people, but treasurer for the Sephardi community of Mexico, to the entire world.” and between 1976 and 1978 as President of the Sephardi Community. He has been a member of the Sephardi community Government Board for many years, and sits on the Board of Governors of Hebrew Tarbut College. He also generously assists Keren Hayesod, Keren Kayemet and other Israeli institutions. Rolando and Sara Uziel have four ■ Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev (center) with daughters and six grandchildren. The couple’s Sara and Rolando Uziel Belgian Couple Recognized as Righteous ■ On 21 November, relatives of Benno Gerson ■ The Governor General of Canada H.E. Mr. and Anni Goldberg, Jewish children who were David Johnston (right) and his wife Sharon were saved during the Holocaust by Joseph and guided through Yad Vashem on 2 November Marie Andries, gathered at Yad Vashem for 2016 by Director of the Yad Vashem Libraries a ceremony honoring the late Belgian couple Dr. Robert Rozett. In the Yad Vashem Guest as Righteous Among the Nations. Book, the Governor General wrote: “We are Benno and Anni were young children humbled to visit Yad Vashem, which is filled when their family moved from Germany to the with interesting stories of loss and life, but also Netherlands following the Kristallnacht pogrom ■ Holocaust survivor Benno Gerson and relative of the of hope and determination.” in November 1938. Righteous Dr. Francoise Rampelberg in the Garden of When the deportations from Belgium began in the Righteous at Yad Vashem 1942, Ludwig and Pepi Gershonowitz decided to Accepting the certificate and medal on behalf separate from their children in order to save them. of the late Joseph and Marie Andries was Dr. Seven-year-old Anni and five-year-old Benno Francoise Rampelberg, who travelled especially were brought to the home of Joseph and Marie from Switzerland to attend the ceremony. Dr. Andries in Anderlecht. On 24 September 1942, Rampelberg, who only recently discovered Ludwig and Pepi were arrested and deported to the courageous actions of her grandparents' Auschwitz, where they were murdered. Several cousins, said: “The medal and certificate are months later, Joseph and Marie Andries moved proof that brave people with a conscience did with the children to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, where exist during those dark times. They attest to the they remained until the end of the war. When fact that friendship can triumph under even the Joseph and Marie separated, the two children most dangerous circumstances… they represent remained with Marie, who continued to care symbols of hope for the future." for them lovingly. Life was simple, and Marie Benno Gerson and his nephews, Serge and sometimes received help from her relatives, Stefan Goldberg, sons of Anni Goldberg z"l, the Rampelbergs, who provided her with some traveled from the United States to participate in additional food. this rare event. While Gerson admitted he did not After the war, contact was established with remember much from the war period, he described a relative of the Gershonowitz family in the his memories of his “mamak," Flemish for mother, United States, and in 1947 Anni and Benno left with love and affection. “The risks she took to (1 December 2016); Serbian Foreign Minister H.E. Marie Andries’ home and sailed to New York. In protect us are beyond my understanding. No one Mr. Ivica Dacicˇ ´ (5 January 2017); and Speaker 1983, shortly before Marie Andries passed away, deserves this honor more… I've had a wonderful of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament Benno travelled to Belgium to visit his rescuer life because of Marie and Joseph Andries. They of the Czech Republic H.E. Mr. Jan Hamácekˇ one last time. gave me the gift of life." (16 November 2016). news 25 Friends Worldwide

USA ■ On 13 November 2016, the American The Leadership Award was presented to aunt, who saved the lives of dozens of Jewish Society for Yad Vashem hosted its Annual American Society Founder and Yad Vashem children in France. Pastor Chris Edmonds told Tribute Dinner at the Pierre Hotel in New York Benefactor Sima Katz. Katz’s granddaughter the story of his father’s awe-inspiring service City. This year’s event, chaired by Yad Vashem Rebecca Levy shared her grandmother’s while imprisoned in the German Stalag IXA Benefactors Rose and Philip Friedman and harrowing journey of survival during the POW Camp, where he boldly saved the lives of Mark Moskowitz, paid tribute to the Righteous Holocaust with the help of the Lithuanian hundreds of American Jewish soldiers. Among the Nations and the Jews they saved Christian Žileviciusˇ family, later recognized The evening’s featured speaker was Sara during WWII. American Society Chairman as Righteous Among the Nations. Pechanac, the daughter of the first Muslim Leonard Wilf welcomed 500 of Yad Vashem’s Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds and Lois woman to ever be recognized as Righteous most dedicated partners, young leaders and Gunden, the fourth and fifth Americans ever to Among the Nations for sheltering the Jewish distinguished guests. Michael Bernardi, actor be recognized as Righteous Among the Nations, Kavilio family from Nazi persecution in Sarajavo, in Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof, moderated were honored at the Dinner. Mary Jean Gunden Yugoslavia. Sara and her family now live in the event. spoke of the bravery and compassion of her Israel and she works in the Yad Vashem Archives.

■ American Society Chairman Leonard Wilf with ■ Left to right: Rebecca Levy, Rita Levy, Dinner ■ Dinner co-chair Mark Moskowitz family members of American Righteous Among the Honoree Sima Katz, Matthew Levy, David Levy Nations, Pastor Chris and Regina Edmonds and Mary Jean Gunden

■ Dinner co-chairs Rose and Philip Friedman ■ American Society Board Members Gale and Ira ■ American Society Executive Director Ron Meier Drukier, Marilyn and Barry Rubenstein with Yad Vashem Pillars Sharon and David Halpern

■ During his visit to Yad Vashem, Dr. Sol ■ Governor of Maryland Larry Hogan (left) ■ On 5 January 2017, Yad Vashem Benefactors Messinger, a child survivor of the Holocaust and his friend Leonard Attman (center) met Harry and Danielle Karten and their son and passenger aboard the German ocean liner with International Relations Division Managing Jonathan visited the Partisan’s Panorama, MS St. Louis, unveiled a plaque in the memorial Director Shaya Ben-Yehuda (right) during their which they generously supported. cave in honor of his parents who survived the visit to Yad Vashem on 23 September. Holocaust and in memory of his family members who were murdered during the Shoah.

26 friends worldwide ■ Three generations of Adam (third from right) ■ Yad Vashem mourns the ■ Following the success of last year’s “Salute and Daniella (left) Pfefer’s family visited Yad passing of its dear friend, to Hollywood” Gala held by the American Vashem to unveil a plaque in memory of Adam’s Yad Vashem Benefactor Society for Yad Vashem, on 1 November 2016 grandparents, Benjamin and Sally Levine, z"l, and American Society the Society opened a new office in Los Angeles. who were murdered in the Shoah. The family for Yad Vashem Board The new West Coast Director of Institutional also participated in a special activity in the Member Jona Goldrich. Advancement William Bernstein has been International School for Holocaust Studies. Jona Goldrich was meeting with current donors and friends to born in 1927 in Lvov, spread the word about Yad Vashem’s inspiring Poland. After the Nazi occupation in 1941, his work and attract new sources of support. father was able to arrange safe departure for Together with National Executive Director Jona and his brother Avraham. His parents and Dr. Ron Meier, Bernstein and his colleagues older brother did not survive the Holocaust. at the new office, Development Associate He managed to reach Eretz Israel in 1943. Brooke Spencer and Development Assistant In 1951, he immigrated to the US, where he Donna Elyassian, welcomed dozens of friends married Doretta. In Los Angeles, he established to their office open house on 5 January 2017. a thriving real estate development company. Meanwhile, at the Society’s headquarters in Jona Goldrich was devoted to his family New York, Meier has spent the last year engaging and to many Jewish causes – most importantly, a growing development team to expand its ■ Yad Vashem mourns Holocaust remembrance and education. Yad national reach. Since joining the Society at the passing of Yad Vashem extends its heartfelt condolences to the start of 2016, Chief Development Officer Vashem Pillar and Doretta, his daughters Melinda and Andrea Eillene Leistner is assisting development efforts American Society for Yad and his grandchildren. May his memory be across the country. Director of Planned Giving Vashem Board Member a blessing. Chris Morton, Major Gifts Officer Emily Snyder David Mitzner. and Development Assistant Aaron Fineberg David Mitzner was ■ On 4 November 2016, the American Society’s joined the team, and after a record-breaking born in Warsaw in 1915. Young Leadership Associates (YLA) hosted a year, both in terms of events and fundraising, the After helping some friends flee the Nazis, he Fall Shabbat Dinner at Congregation Kehilath American Society looks forward to a robust 2017, was sent to a Soviet labor camp in Siberia, Jeshuran in New York City. Incoming YLA Co- partnering with more US friends to support the where he remained in captivity for almost Chairs Daniella Pomeranc and Josh Gelnick vital work of Yad Vashem. For more information, eight years. His parents, sister and brother announced a new YLA initiative to support please see: www.yadvashemUSA.org were murdered in the Holocaust. In 1949 he seminars for Israeli soldiers at Yad Vashem. immigrated to the US, reuniting with his sister Lily Safra Chair of Holocaust Education and Rozia, the only other surviving member of his Director of Yad Vashem’s International School family. David married Ruth z”l in 1952 and for Holocaust Studies Dr. Eyal Kaminka spoke to developed RIDA Development Corporation, a the 80 young professionals in attendance about successful real estate development company, tailoring Holocaust education for millennials. spanning the US and Poland. David and Ruth were deeply committed ■ On 11 November 2016, Jeff and Esty Stein to the Jewish people, Israel and its future. brought their extended family to Yad Vashem As Pillars of Yad Vashem, they generously to mark their son Gabriel’s bar mitzvah. During supported the refurbishment of Warsaw their visit, the family visited the Holocaust ■ At the LA Office Open House: Sheryl Pressberg, Ghetto Square on the Mount of Remembrance. History Museum and Yad Vashem’s Synagogue, American Society Executive Director Dr. Ron Meier, Michael Koss, Kenneth Pressberg David chronicled his many memories where Gabriel participated in a Bar Mitzvah and achievements in his memoir, Nesim All Twinning Ceremony in which he remembered Around Me. a child victim of the Holocaust. Yad Vashem extends its heartfelt condolences to his sons Jacob and Ira, daughters-in-law Marilyn and Mindy, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. May his memory be a blessing.

■ William Bernstein with Rabbi Baruch Hecht from Chabad of Brentwood affixing the mezuzah in the new LA office 27 Friends Worldwide

■ Yad Vashem mourns ■ Yad Vashem mourns THE NETHERLANDS the passing of Yad the passing of Yad ■ Vashem Builder Naomi Vashem Guardian and On 16 November, 2016, the Friends of Warren. American Society for Yad Yad Vashem in the Netherlands organized a Naomi Warren was Vashem Board Member symposium marking 25 years of its activities, born in Wolkowysk, David Chase. which garnered much attention in the Dutch Poland. In 1942, she David Chase was born media. Director of the French-Speaking Countries was deported with her in 1928 in Sosnowiec, and Benelux Desk in Yad Vashem's International husband Alexander Rosenbaum, mother Poland. When he was only 11 years old, Relations Division Miry Gross, as well as many Chasia Salman Kaplan and brother Mark the Nazis invaded Poland. He survived well-known Dutch speakers, dealt with the Kaplan. Her husband and mother did not Auschwitz, Sachsenhausen and Mauthausen subject of teaching the Holocaust in schools survive the Holocaust. Naomi was interned in before escaping a death march in the spring today. The newly appointed Israeli Ambassador Auschwitz, Ravensbruck and Bergen-Belsen of 1945. He lost his parents, sister and many to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Aviv Shir-On, before being liberated in 1945. other family members in the Holocaust. After also attended, accompanied by members of his She made her way to the US, where settling in Hartford, CT in 1946, David met staff. Joop Levy, who led the Friends of Yad she was reunited with her father who had and married Rhoda. Together they devoted Vashem in the Netherlands for over 15 years, survived the war in Siberia. She and her their time to philanthropy and generosity, was honored for his ongoing dedication to husband Martin Warren, also a Holocaust both in their local community and around Holocaust remembrance and education. survivor, created the International Trading the world. Among the beneficiaries of their Company, an imported meat business. After loyal support is the American Society for Martin's tragic death in 1960, Naomi raised Yad Vashem. their son and two daughters alone. In 1983, David pioneered the fundraising Naomi Warren devoted her life to campaign to build the Valley of the education and the Jewish community, and Communities at Yad Vashem with his three together with her family was dedicated to close friends, Eli Zborowski z”l, Sam Skura Yad Vashem's mission. z”l, and David Feuerstein. Yad Vashem extends its heartfelt Yad Vashem extends its heartfelt ■ Left to right: Miry Gross, Betty Lievendag condolences to her children Helen and condolences to Rhoda, their children, (Netherlands Friends), Israeli Ambassador to the Andrew Spector, Geri and Jim Roper, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Netherlands H.E Aviv Shir-On, former President of the Dutch Parliament and President of the National Benjamin and Joy Warren, her grandchildren May his memory be a blessing. Remembrance Committee Gerdie Verbeet, Netherlands and great-grandchildren. May her memory Friends Honorary President Joop Levy be a blessing. LIECHTENSTEIN ■ An event marking International Holocaust ■ David and Marnie Nagel (second and third Remembrance Day was held on 24 January 2017 from right) visited Yad Vashem for the first time at the City Theatre of Schaan, Liechtenstein. on 25 October 2016 with their three children Some 150 guests attended the event, including Ariel, Jason and Michael, where they were Liechtenstein's Minister of Infrastructure, hosted by Director of the American Desk in Environment and Sport Marlies Amann-Marxer; Yad Vashem's International Relations Division Director of the German-Speaking Countries Desk, ■ Michael Fisher (right). Their tour included Yad Vashem's International Relations Division Netherlands Friends incoming President David Simon the Holocaust History Museum, the Hall of Arik Rav-On; MPs; and Chair of the Society Remembrance and the Children’s Memorial. of Friends of Yad Vashem in Liechtenstein Dr. Florian Marxer. The event also featured video- recorded testimonies of Holocaust survivors.

■ Left to right: Director of the Anne Frank Foundation Ronald Leopold, TV personality and author Ad Van Liempt, journalist and author Guus Luijters, Dr. Bart Wallet (Amsterdam University), Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands Binyomin Jacobs

28 friends worldwide FRANCE MEXICO ■ Huixquilucan Mayor Enrique Vargas and his wife Romina Contreras (center, with the wreath) ■ ■ The theme of the Annual Paris Gala Dinner was Sonia and Walter Krinsky were joined by were joined by Perla Hazan (second from left), “Keeping the Memory Alive: Transmission and their family and Director of the Latin America, Daniel Liwerant (left) and Dalia Wilk (fourth Education.” The goal of the event, established by Miami, Spain and Portugal Desk Perla Hazan from left) during their visit to Yad Vashem. Chairman of the French Friends of Yad Vashem on the occasion of the bar mitzvah of their son Pierre Francois Veil (pictured addressing the Ariel (center). audience), was to enable groups of educators within “The framework of villes et villages des Justes Parmi les Nations de France” to be trained at Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies during 2017. Director of the French-Speaking Countries and Benelux Desk in Yad Vashem's International Relations Division Miry Gross elaborated on the subject and described the activities of Yad Vashem's International School for Holocaust Studies. COSTA RICA ■ Sylvaine Akerman (center) visited Yad ■ Vivian and Philip Unger (third and fourth Vashem together with her husband Claude from left) were joined by their friends Jeannette Franco (second from right) to receive the 2016 and Jorge Paris (second and third from right) Avner Shalev Yad Vashem Chairman’s Award and Director of the Latin America, Miami, for Artistic Achievement in Holocaust-Related Spain and Portugal Desk Perla Hazan (left) Film on behalf of her late sister, Director Chantal on the occasion of the unveiling of a plaque Akerman, for the film No Home Movie. She was in honor of Tzvy and Miriam Gotlieb in the joined by Perla Hazan (right), Director of the Memorial Cave. Visual Center Liat Benhabib (second from left) SPAIN and Mimi Ash from the Visual Center (left). ■ Debora Vilaboa (second from left) was joined by her family during her visit to Yad Vashem.

■ Jaime Tischler visited Yad Vashem to unveil a plaque in honor of his parents who survived ■ Ruben Bross (second from left) was joined the Holocaust, as well as members of his family by his family and friends during their visit to ■ Spanish Ambassador to Israel H.E. Mr. who were murdered during the Shoah. Yad Vashem. Fernando de Carderera (second from right) visited Yad Vashem together with his wife Victoria (right), where he was presented with the Yad Vashem Key by Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev (second from left) and Director of the Latin America, Miami, Spain and Portugal Desk Perla Hazan (left).

29 Friends Worldwide

GERMANY SINGAPORE AUSTRALIA ■ An event commemorating the Kristallnacht ■ The first Yad Vashem Dinner in Asia was held ■ On 26 December 2016, Greg Rosshandler pogrom took place on 9 November 2016 in on 8 December 2016 in the Jewish Community (left) met with Director of the Yad Vashem Frankfurt-on-Oder City Hall, in cooperation Center in Singapore. The Dinner was co-chaired Archives and Fred Hillman Chair for Holocaust with the State Government of Brandenburg, the by Philip Ong, a local Singaporean businessman, Documentation Dr. Haim Gertner, and viewed Municipality of Frankfurt and Yad Vashem. The and Director of the English Language Desk in the Restoration and Digitization Laboratories. event was attended by some 200 guests, including Yad Vashem’s International Relations Division He also visited the Artifacts Collection with the Mayor of Frankfurt; the former Mayor Searle Brajtman. Over 100 guests attended this Director of the Museums Division Vivian Uria of Berlin; Director of the German-Speaking ground-breaking event. The keynote speaker was (center) and Director of the Artifacts Department Countries Desk in Yad Vashem's International Auschwitz survivor Eva Slonim OAM (pictured), Michael Tal (right). Relations Division Arik Rav-On; educators; and who movingly described her experiences during members of the media. The Chief Cantor of the the Holocaust and stressed how her fellow inmates Berlin Synagogue performed cantorial pieces. in the concentration camps implored her to give testimony about what happened, so that the AUSTRIA world would learn from these experiences and not allow them to happen again. During her stay ■ International Holocaust Memorial Day was in Singapore, Slonim also spoke at various other marked on 30 January at the City Hall of Linz, in venues, including a local Jewish school that cooperation with the Friends of Yad Vashem in invited children from other schools to hear her. Austria. Mayor of Linz Klaus Luger (left) and the Both Jewish and non-Jewish clergyman offered Austrian Friends Chair Günther Schuster (center) blessings at the event. ■ The Yad Vashem travelling exhibition “I greeted the guests. The highlight of the event Am My Brother’s Keeper” is a tribute to the was a reading from the diary of Etty Hillesum, Righteous Among the Nations. The exhibition who was murdered in Auschwitz in 1943. At the was adapted for Australia with the support of conclusion of the event, Mayor Luger received the Roth Family and opened on 6 December the highest award of the Austrian Friends of Yad 2016 at the Sydney Jewish Museum. Left to Vashem, honoring his great personal involvement right: Stanley Roth AM; Director of the English in the promotion of Holocaust remembrance. Language Desk, International Relations Division Searle Brajtman; grandson of Righteous Among the Nations Chiune Sugihara, Chihiro Sugihara; John Roth UK ■ During their visit to Yad Vashem on 14 November 2016, participants in the UJIA Women’s Mission Possible attended a lecture on women in Auschwitz by Director of the SOUTH AFRICA e-Learning Department at the International School for Holocaust Studies Dr. Na’ama Shik. ■ In October 2016, Caro Wiese (second from left) They also heard Holocaust survivor Claudine and Lynda Loubser (second from right) visited Schwartz-Rudel give her testimony while the Holocaust History Museum and Children’s visiting the exhibition “Stars Without a Heaven: Memorial. They also toured the Holocaust Art Children in the Holocaust.” MIAMI: SPANISH SPEAKERS Museum with Museum Curator and Art Department ■ Anat and Abraham Garzon were joined by Director Eliad Moreh-Rosenberg (left) and Director their children Shirel, Eitan and Liam during of the English Language Desk, International their visit to Yad Vashem. Relations Division Searle Brajtman (right).

30 friends worldwide ISRAEL ■ On 17 November 2016, a ceremony was held the gathering, and Dana and Yossie Hollander of Holocaust commemoration. The couple was at Yad Vashem recognizing the generous and spoke on behalf of their families. shown Pages of Testimony memorializing family long-standing support of Dana and Yossie members who were murdered during the Shoah, Hollander. Dana and Yossie have been firm as well as papers documenting the lives of the partners of Yad Vashem’s mission, and their Podhorzer, Brief and Hollander families during steadfast and continuous support over the and after the Holocaust. All of the material was past decade has enabled Yad Vashem to hold collated in a book that was presented to the numerous meaningful activities in the field of family members at the ceremony, which caused Holocaust remembrance. great interest and delight, especially for Yossie The Hollanders are central partners in Yad Hollander’s mother, Genia. Vashem’s Shoah Victims Names Recovery Project, and are also the entrepreneurial spirit behind the multimedia learning curriculum ■ Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev presents “Echoes and Reflections” – the largest and Dana and Yossie Hollander with the Yad Vashem Key most comprehensive educational program on the Holocaust in the US today. This special day ended with a “behind-the- During the ceremony, Yad Vashem’s Dana scenes" visit to the Yad Vashem Archives, led by and Yossie Hollander Campus for Holocaust Archives Director and Fred Hillman Chair for Education, Research and Documentation was Holocaust Documentation Dr. Haim Gertner. Dr. Gertner gave the guests an overview of dedicated, followed by an emotional ceremony ■ Left to right: Yossie and Dana Hollander, Avner in the Yad Vashem Synagogue at which Yad the diverse activities of the Archives Division Shalev, Yossie and Dana's daughter Carmel and her Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev addressed and presented current challenges in the field husband Ido Yosef

■ Senior staff of the Azrieli Foundation-Israel, Christian Desk with ICEJ and Seminars at Yad Vashem, Dr. Susanna Kokkonen headed by the Foundation’s Director General was invited to speak at the event. Offi Zisser, took a guided tour of the Holocaust The Museum of the Bible History Museum in November 2016. The ■ During the Feast of Tabernacles 2016, a Azrieli Foundation has generously supported decade of partnership between Yad Vashem and educational and research endeavors at Yad the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem Vashem for many years. Artifacts Department (ICEJ) was marked together with thousands of Director Michael Tal also gave the group Christian visitors from around the world. a “behind-the-scenes” look at a number of special items from the Holocaust period that commemorate the life of the people to whom they once belonged. ■ Dr. Susanna Kokkonen with African seminar graduates Bishop Samuel Malambo and Shalom Koronge, and AII Vice-President Bishop Joshua Mulinge ■ The International Christian Leadership Seminar for 26 pastors and leaders worldwide took place at Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies at the end of November 2016. ■ Left to right: Rev. Malcolm Hedding; ICEJ Executive Director Dr. Jürgen Buehler; Director, Christian The seminar was sponsored by the Museum of Friends of Yad Vashem Dr. Susanna Kokkonen; the Bible, Washington DC. International Relations Division Managing Director Shaya Ben-Yehuda ■ The Africa-Israel Initiative (AII) is an Africa- wide Christian lobby founded to educate African Christians about Israel as well as to support the Jewish state. In November 2016, AII hosted an international gathering of leaders in Nairobi, Kenya. As several African leaders have participated in the Christian Leadership 31 The International Institute for Holocaust Research: Publications

Such a Beautiful Sunny Day… Yad Vashem Studies, Volume 44:2 Jews Seeking Refuge in the Polish Countryside, Editor: David Silberklang 1942-1945 NIS 80 NIS 60 Barbara Engelking ■ The latest volume of Yad Vashem Studies NIS 174 NIS 128 opens with an article analyzing the late Prof. Elie Wiesel’s contribution to the field of ■ This groundbreaking study sheds light Holocaust research. Five research articles on the struggle of the Jews who escaped and three review articles focus on Eastern to the Polish countryside and the threats Europe – both during the war and in current and challenges they faced. Many of them research and commemoration – and three encountered a hostile environment of review articles cover broader perspectives local Poles ready to denounce them to the on the Holocaust. The research articles Germans or participate in manhunts, and investigate Jewish, local and German in cases where they found refuge with sources, as well as trends in current research Polish families, the dangers for both the in Poland and Holocaust remembrance in Jews and their rescuers grew more acute former Communist countries. as time passed. Based on a large number of documents, the book tells the formerly For a closer look at two of the articles in this volume dealing with the seizing untold account of Jewish struggle for of Jewish property during WWII, please see p. 18. survival in a complex landscape of fear, betrayal and death. ■ Yad Vashem Jerusalem Magazine P.O. Box 3477, Jerusalem 9103401, Israel To order these and other Yad Vashem publications: Tel: 972-2-644-3413, Fax: 972-2-6443409 [email protected] Tel. 972-2-6443511, Fax 972-2-6443509 [email protected] www.yadvashem.org | Tel: 972-2-644-3400 Or purchase through our online store: www.yadvashem.org

Your Support Helps Make a Difference All of the activities, projects and events which you have just read about are made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors. In these difficult times, when there is a worrying rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial around the world, Yad Vashem is doubling its efforts to commemorate the Holocaust, disseminate its universal implications and strengthen Jewish continuity. Yad Vashem is deeply grateful for your generosity in supporting its vital work and welcomes both new friends and established supporters as partners in our shared mission.

■ To make tax-deductible donations: USA: GERMANY: AUSTRALIA: American Society for Yad Vashem Society of Friends of Yad Vashem in Germany Australian Friends of Yad Vashem 500 Fifth Avenue, 42nd Floor Joachimstaler Str. 13 President: Joey Borensztajn New York, NY 10110 10719 Berlin 2 Huntingfield Road Tel: 1-800-310-7495 or 212-220-4304 Tel.:+49-30-81825931 Toorak, VIC 3142 Australia Email: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: +61-450-603-703 Email: [email protected] CANADA: AUSTRIA: Canadian Society for Yad Vashem Friends of Yad Vashem in Austria ■ Donations may also be sent to: 265 Rimrock Road, Suite 218 Blütenstr. 18/B2 International Relations Division, Toronto, ON M3J 3C6 A-4040 Linz Yad Vashem, PO Box 3477, Tel: 416-785-1333 Tel: +43-732-716 822 Jerusalem 9103401, Israel Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +972-2-6443420 Email: UK: SWITZERLAND: Yad Vashem - UK Foundation Swiss Friends of Yad Vashem [email protected] Stirling House, Breasy Place, CIG - 21 Avenue Dumas ■ For information on societies 9 Burroughs Gardens 1208 Geneve in other countries, please visit: London NW4 4AU Tel: 0041-22-8173688 www.yadvashem.org Tel: 020-8359-1146 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Donate online: www.yadvashem.org 32 www.yad vashem.org text