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