JHC redevelopment commences Photos: Sav Schulman
(l-r) Hon Josh Frydenberg and Abram Goldberg OAM
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he Jewish Holocaust Centre (JHC) redevelopment has begun with a traditional ground-breaking ceremony of turning the first sod at the site of the new building. Held in November 2020 after years of planning, this event sent a powerful message to the community and to Holocaust survivors that despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the new museum and education facility remains on track to open in August 2022. The event was attended by representatives of the Federal and State Governments, confirming the bipartisan support for this important project. ‘It gives us great pleasure to announce that the building is being named in honour of Auschwitz survivor Josef Hellen, a major supporter of the project,’ said Jayne Josem, Museum Director & CEO. ‘Josef’s substantial gift represents his firm belief in Holocaust education and its role in creating a better society.’ Josef Hellen suffered much during the Holocaust losing his entire family, his parents and three siblings, but he did not want the Holocaust to define him. He attributed his survival to good luck and great instincts. In Australia, he built himself up from nothing and valued living in a multicultural democracy. Sadly, Josef died earlier last year, but was grateful to have made his considerable gift beforehand.
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JHC Centre News
The Treasurer of Australia, the Hon Josh Frydenberg, expressing his understanding of the value of Holocaust education in Australia today, said: ‘The Jewish Holocaust Centre is an incredibly important place where Victorians can be educated about the tragedies of the Holocaust and learn the significance of tolerance and humanity.’
