Bearing history to noble and horrific truths

Susan Suarez, President & CEO

The Museum continues to address the war in Ukraine with visitors on tours and students during education programs. Sadly, there are far too many parallels to draw between the Russian forces’ aggression and the actions of Nazi occupiers in World War II.

The 24-hour news cycle continuously provides updates on the plight of frightened refugee families, mounting deaths of innocent civilians and devastating destruction from Russian bombs. In real time, and with stark before-and-after satellite images, we have a clear picture of Russian aggression against Ukraine and its citizens. Unfortunately, the citizens of Russia don’t see this. The propaganda campaign of the Putin government, its crackdown on dissenting voices, the press and social media leave Russian citizens with a totally different perspective on the situation in Ukraine.

The world is inspired by the courage and commitment of the Ukrainian government and citizens to fight back. Russia badly underestimated the resistance it would face. This, plus the economic sanctions against Russia and its leaders as well as military and financial aid to the Ukrainian government and people, are increasing the pressure on the Putin regime to withdraw its troops.

Visitors to the Museum will see a display that includes a joint statement by several museums about the war crimes being committed in Ukraine. It calls upon governments around the world to do more to stop these atrocities and assist those who have been brutalized.

Early next year, we will host an exhibit called “Two Regimes – Witnesses to the Holodomor and the Holocaust.” The exhibit explores a powerful family story of survival from the 1930s through World War II. It profiles the lifework of a mother and daughter who lived under the reigns of terror unleashed under the regimes of Stalin and Hitler. The stories they told of their life in Mariupol hauntingly parallel life in Mariupol today. When the Nazis seized the city, both women were deported to forced labor camps in Germany, another similarity to today’s news stories of Russian forces deporting Ukrainians.

We ask that you join us in standing up to the Putin regime’s aggression in Ukraine and the suppression of its own people’s human rights. Speak up about it, donate to refugee organizations and keep those affected by this unjust conflict in your thoughts and prayers.

Community support project for Ukrainian refugees

Board Member Emeritus Jack Nortman and his sister, Margie Commerford, will travel this month to the border of Poland and Ukraine and the cities of Warsaw and Krakow on a mercy mission. They feel a unique kinship with the Ukrainian refugees. During World War II, their parents, Rose and Morris Nortman, were forced to flee when the Nazis invaded Poland. Jack and Margie have been coordinating with local organizations on the ground assisting refugees in Poland. For more information on how to help, see the article in the Jewish Interest section of this issue of Federation Star, visit https://boxcarfoundation.org or email theboxcarfoundation@gmail.com.

Jack and Margie will also carry messages of support to let the refugees know they and their families are not forgotten. These include cards created by school groups visiting the Museum. Museum visitors can write their own messages of support on cards available in the lobby at no charge.

New exhibit: “Art After the Holocaust”

Our latest exhibit, “Art After the Holocaust,” features a selection of the Holocaustthemed artwork donated to the Museum over the years. These include a variety of media — fabric, glasswork, prints, sculpture, oil paintings and woodcuts. The exhibit will be on display in the Estelle and Stuart Price Gallery through August 31, 2022.

Private group tours

Looking for an activity for your group or association this summer? Why not schedule a private group tour of the Museum? These docent-led tours can be tailored to your schedule and include the option of a light breakfast before you start. Private group tours are scheduled for morning hours when we are closed to the public. There will be plenty of time to look around and ask questions as you will have the Museum to yourselves.

For more information, contact Education Specialist David Nelson at David@HMCEC.org or call 239-263- 9200, ext.205.

I look forward to seeing you at the Museum this summer!