Centre News through the ages

“Six million were wiped off the face of the earth. There is a danger that they will be annihilated from our memories. Are they doomed to a two-fold annihilation?”

– Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. This quote was regularly used in the early issues of Centre News.

With the very rst issue of Centre News published in December 1984, its rst editor Cyla Sokolowicz (neé Goldman) said, “As a survivor, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to pass on my knowledge of what happened.” The purpose behind what was originally called Holocaust Centre News in the early days was mostly for survivors reaching out to other survivors, calling to collect artefacts, and functioning largely as an internal newsletter for survivors. Cyla Sokolowicz was born into a Chassidic family in Lodz. Her father was a great scholar and Rabbi who imbued in her a love of learning, which endured her whole life. When the war broke out, Cyla spent four and a half years in the Lodz ghetto, right up to its liquidation in August 1944. After a short time in Auschwitz, she was sent to an aeroplane factory near Dresden. In 1945 she was shunted around in open wagons and nally taken to Mathausen. She was liberated by the Americans on May 5. Cyla’s parents and seven siblings were murdered in the Holocaust. “Experience has taught us that survivors’ personal accounts leave by far the strongest impression on the minds of the young. The JHC is giving to all those who survived the infamous years under the Nazi rule, a unique opportunity to use their horrendous experiences in the service of a great cause – peace for the world.” – Cyla Sokolowicz, editorial Holocaust Centre News, Vol 3, No. 2. June 1986 She supported her husband Aron Sokolowicz in his efforts to establish the Jewish Holocaust Centre and became the founding editor of the Centre News. Her editorials were always labours of love and very thought provoking. They felt raw and lled with emotion and depth. Cyla was the editor of the Holocaust Centre News from its inception in December 1984 until 1992, as well as volunteering as a guide at the Centre.

“What makes it a unique institution though, is that survivors provide living history as they communicate to visitors of the centre, not through hate, but through a sense of duty, that by love and tolerance greater harmony can be achieved in the world.” – Cyla Sokolowicz, Holocaust Centre News, Cyla Sokolowicz. Vol 4, No. 2: June 1987 Stan Marks OAM took over the Centre News editorship in 1993 following a few editions with various editorial contributors. Stan is a well known and respected reporter, journalist and author of 14 books. His lifetime career in journalism and public relations saw him recognised through many awards, such as OAM. Stan came to the JHC through his wife, child survivor Eva Marks, who worked there tirelessly as a curatorial assistant. Many of Stan’s editorials focused on the importance the JHC plays in educating our community. “It is welcomed as an educational resource and a catalyst in bringing diverse groups of people together to ght the evils that have led to so much past, and, indeed, present suffering and misunderstanding.” – Stan Marks, Centre News, Vol 27, No. 3, December 2005

Lina Leibovich

Stan Marks OAM.

Stan Marks on left with wife Eva and family.

Stan’s aim as editor was to “bring our estimated more than 15,000 readers, including many hundreds overseas, not only detailed information about the activities at the Centre, but also a diversity of articles relevant to the Holocaust, Nazi era and, in line with our Mission Statement, of combating racism, hatred and prejudice in all its forms and fostering understanding, especially among all sections and religions of the Australian community.” His contributions to the JHC as editor and his assiduous efforts to honour survivor stories will forever be remembered and carried on. One of Stan’s aims was to seek contributions from abroad, to broaden the contributors to include overseas experts as well as local content.

Stan continued to edit Centre News for 16 years, succeeded by Ruth Mushin taking over the role in September 2008.

Re ecting on her time, Ruth says that “While an important part of my work as editor has been to source articles from overseas and local experts on the Holocaust and provide a forum for the issues they raise, my main goal has been to make Holocaust survivors the stars of the magazine. I believe it is not only important to tell their individual stories, but to bring readers their insights about the dangers of racism and prejudice, and the importance of education and tolerance.”

Over the last 14 years, Ruth has contributed an array of interesting and important articles and formed important relationships throughout the Centre and the wider community. Ruth’s passion is re ected in her diligent and tireless efforts to produce well-crafted issues, with excellent contributions from around the globe complimenting local stories.

Ruth was also instrumental in shaping the look of the magazine, working closely with Izi and Eti Marmur from Izigraphics to streamline its design. The dedication of Izigraphics – Izi’s eye for design and Eti’s attention to the words – was a key ingredient in this partnership. More recently Ruth made further enhancements working with our design partners at Grin.

The JHC is committed to carrying on the legacy of its founders, even though it will never ll the void of the six million innocent murdered lives lost. We are excited for what the future holds for Centre News as the JHC evolves and continues to progress. Communicating effectively with our dedicated supporters is crucial. We are committed to the founding promise to keep their stories alive and never forget our mission, which is now more important than ever.

“Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. Whenever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the centre of the universe.” – Elie Weisel

Passing on the baton

Ruth Mushin

When I agreed to become the editor of Centre News in 2008, the prospect of following in the footsteps of my two esteemed predecessors, Cyla Sokolowicz and Stan Marks, was daunting. Little did I know then that it would mark the beginning of a wonderful 14-year journey.

Although I had edited Holocaust memoirs, newsletters and conference proceedings, this was my rst time at editing a magazine. At rst I was challenged by the crises that arose regularly, such as contributors ignoring deadlines and delays with nalising the mailing list, but it became easier as I learnt on the job. For me these glitches were far outweighed by working with, and learning from, inspiring and talented people and the satisfaction of seeing a completed magazine twice a year.

It has been so rewarding to source articles from overseas and local experts about a wide range of issues relating to the Holocaust, and to publicise the Centre’s amazing educational programs, exhibitions and events. I have always felt though that by far my most important role as editor has been to tell the stories of Holocaust survivors. In doing so, they have taught me about resilience, tolerance, friendship and so much more.

I have got to know so many wonderful people at the Centre over the last 14 years – survivors, Board members, staff and other volunteers – and I thank you for your support, and for giving me the scope to shape the contents of the magazine.

I plan to continue volunteering at the Centre and I am sure that the new editor, Lina Leibovich, will nd the role as rewarding as I have.