Continue to Remember and to Make a Difference!

 
WE ARE HERE!

A UNIQUE SOCIAL JUSTICE PROGRAM FOR UPSTANDERS

‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing’ – Edmund Burke, philosopher.
 
CONTINUE TO REMEMBER AND TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
 
Today, 10 November, we commemorate Kristallnacht, also called Night of Broken Glass or November Pogroms, when German Nazis attacked Jewish persons and property in Germany, Austria and the Sudetenland on that date in 1938. 
 
The Perth ceremony will be held at Perth Modern School at 5pm tonight. The keynote address will be delivered by Malcolm McCusker, the former Governor of WA, who will speak on: 
 
“Evil Creeps Back, If Good People Stand Aside”.
 
The final item on the program is the Partisans’ Song, to be sung in four languages, Yiddish, Hebrew, Noongar and English, by the joint choirs of Ellenbrook Secondary College and Carmel High School, under the direction of Stuart Rhine-Davis. The song was originally written as a poem by Hirsh Glik in 1943. Jesse John Fleay, a lecturer at ECU translated it into Noongar, and Suzanne Kosowitz re-arranged the music by Dmitri Pokrass to fit the Noongar. Michele Galanti coordinates the Carmel School Choir.
 
The joint Ellenbrook Secondary College – Carmel High School choir first performed this inspiring anthem on 5 August at Ellenbrook Secondary College in front of 2000 people, and then repeated it at Carmel School on 7 August. The original recordings are here: https://wah.foundation/program/
 
The Kristallnacht ceremony this year will be attended by Lance Turner, son of Uncle Boydie Turner and great grandson of William Cooper, the indigenous Australian, whose protest against the pogroms, at the Nazi consulate office in Melbourne, was finally recognised by the German government in 2017, 79 years later!
 
Eli Rabinowitz
Perth, Australia
 
Show your support for our growing band of Upstanders here in Perth WA 
 
 
Thank you –  from the WE ARE HERE! team.

Birzh Commemoration – A Reflection In The Stone!

THE BIRZAI/BIRZH MEMORIAL PROJECT, LITHUANIA – SA Jewish Board of Deputies

THE BIRZAI/BIRZH MEMORIAL PROJECT, LITHUANIA – SA Jewish Board of Deputies

On 16 June 2019, a new memorial for the victims of the massacre that took place near Birzai, Lithuania, was unveiled. Located in the Astravas Grove in the Pakamponys forest four kilometres outside the town, it is the third memorial in Lithuania to bear the names of the victims at the massacre site.

Source: www.sajbd.org/media/the-birzai-birzh-memorial-project-lithuania

Ben Rabinowitz

Look at the reflection on the memorial stone in his photo taken (by someone else) of Ben Rabinowitz in the above article! Eerie!

Reflection
Birzai Commemoration

My 16 June 2019 post

Birzai Commemoration

Sunday 16 June 2019 Birzai, Lithuania Photos of the event The Castle Tree planting Walk to the Holocaust Site The Ceremony Back to the Castle

Source: elirab.me/birzai-commemoration/

Ben Rabinowitz
Eli Rabinowitz & Ben Rabinowitz
With Veronica Belling
With other Litvak activists!

Birzai, Lithuania – Website  Source: kehilalinks.jewishgen.org/birzai/Home.html

The Lost Names of Lithuania Final TX

The Lost Names of Lithuania Final TX

This is “The Lost Names of Lithuania Final TX” by MDK Associates on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Source: vimeo.com/392266976

Other Commemorations in the European Summer:
Shabbat in Keidan
They Are Returning

They Are Returning

Atzalynas Gimnazija, Kedainiai Lithuania 13 June 2019 VIDEO OF OUR EVENT IN LITHUANIA They Are Returning ‘’TILTAI-BRIDGES-בריקן’’ For video, click here: Source: www.youtube.co…

Source: elirab.me/they-are-returning/

Kedainiai, Lithuania Website:

Source: kehilalinks.jewishgen.org/kedainiai/Home.html

Bielski Reunion in Belarus

Bielski Reunion in Forest Jerusalem 2019

Bielski Reunion in Forest Jerusalem 2019

    9 July 2019, Naliboki Forest A Day with the Bielskis 9:00 – All the guests are brought to the village of Naliboki by minivans.  11.00  – meeting Alexander Pilinkievich…

Source: elirab.me/bielski-reunion-in-forest-jerusalem-2/

Novogrudok, Belarus – Website

Source: kehilalinks.jewishgen.org/navahrudak/Home.html

Naliboki Belarus – Website

 

 

The Gardens Community Centre

Cape Town

https://caferiteve.co.za

The Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre

http://ctholocaust.co.za

The Museum

https://www.sajewishmuseum.org.za/visiting-the-museum/

The Gardens Shul

The Gitlin Library

http://www.gitlinlibrary.co.za/ActiveConnect/default.html

Cafe Riteve

https://caferiteve.co.za

https://kehilalinks.jewishgen.org/capetown/Home.html

Beyachad Educators

 
 
 
On Friday 1st March 2019, the South African Friends of Beth Hatefutsoth were pleased to host a meeting with Eli Rabinowitz, from Perth, Saul Issroff from London and various educators and genealogists.
 

From Tachlis, Michele Gogoski & Elona Steinfeld, Beyachad, Johannesburg:

Eli, who is the founder of the We Are Here Foundation, gave an inspirational presentation about the importance of educating Jewish youth about the Holocaust and the Jewish partisans during the World War II. The talk was accompanied by video footage of the youth of various communities across the globe, who have been taught and are being taught to sing the famous Partisans Song – Zog Nit Keyn Mol (Shir HaPartizanim).

His message is loud and clear: WE MUST NEVER FORGET!

For more information please visit the website

WE ARE HERE! An Education Program That Inspires Upstanders

https://wah.foundation

With Howard Feldman – Chaim FM

 

From Stan Smookler on the Good Shabbas Newsletter

http://stantgsm.com/

I attended a Lecture by Eli Rabinowitz @ Beyachad last week, and it was a VERY interesting discussion, the Subject being “ Zog Nit Keynmol’ ( Never say never again), the Partisan’s song…. see https://wah.foundation/ …. I never realized that such a project would have soooo many opinions and ‘Machlokes’ …. The project is to revive the Partisan song that was written by Hirsch Glik in the concentration camps…… The project involves getting schools to start learning the song and of course understanding the meaning…. Eli has teamed up with various Schools, especially in Russia, Poland, Souff Effrikka etc, and World Ort have given him huge assistance, with ORT schools around the World joining in the programme….. The question is ; Should the Song be sung/learnt in any other language than Yiddish, as this is what it was started as…???? Methinks, yes, as it will get lost if not promoted.

At the meeting were a few knowledgeable people in Yiddisher circles, and Saul Issroff ( Absoluuuuut BOFF on Lithuania) from London (Ex PE ‘Amolikke Yoren’), Eli Goldstein who is very involved in the teaching of Yiddish in Joburg, Ishvara Dhyan, who takes walking tours of Joburg, and covers many of the old Yiddisher places, Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft (The Travelling Rabbi) ,Darryl Frankel (King David) Marc Latilla who runs a website Johannesburg 1912, which has a lot of info on many suburbs (in detail) and Joburg City  … , https://johannesburg1912.wordpress.com/ where you can find in depth info on Joburg/suburbs….. Tali Nates from the Holocaust Museum also came, and Eli did a show with Howard Feldman on Chai FM 91.7 .. Pictures; http://www.stantgsm.com/category/pictures/4 

ChaiFM – my interview by Howard Feldman

Howard Feldman – Cham FM

 

ChaiFM

 With some of the educators  who attended my presentation.

With Saul Issroff & Tali Nates
With Rabbi Moshe Sliberhaft

With Elona Steinfeld at SA Friends of Beth Hatefutsoth

Also caught up with:

With Rabbi Kacev
With Rabbi Lipskar

Coming Up

 
 
 
Coming Up in the UK, Europe and Israel in June, Europe and the US in July, and Australia in August!
 
I will be participating in:
 
a commemoration in June in Birzai & a shabbat weekend in Kedainiai, Lithuania;
 
an eight day educators’ seminar in June at the International School of Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem; 
 
a 100-strong gathering in Novogrudok, Belarus in July, where a full and interesting program will include learning about the Partisans’ Song, and then singing it in the Naliboki Forest, where the Bielski’s lived and hid from 1942 to 1944; 
 
the IAJGS39 conference in Cleveland in July, where I am giving two presentations, including one as part of the educators program – see below; and
 
WE ARE HERE! An Education Program That Inspires Upstanders in Australia in August.This educational program, which promotes universal human rights and inclusive development, is funded by the US Dept of State, and brings Holocaust educator and specialist Nance Adler of Seattle to Australia.
 
 

 

Busy times ahead!

Chag Pesach Sameach and Happy Easter
 
 
 
Please contact me for further details.
 
Best regards
 
Eli
 
 
———————————
 
Further details:
 
I have been invited to be one of six speakers who will presentat the Educators Program at IAJGS39 (International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies) in Cleveland OH, USA on 28 July, the opening event at thisconference.
 

My topic is:


Projects That Draw Youth to Ancestral Roots.

The details appear below
 
My second talk is on 30 July on the WE ARE HERE! Project for Upstanders. 
 
 
 
 

A Special Program for Jewish Educators

Sunday, July 28, 2019

The IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy is being held in Cleveland for the first time. It features a special day designed specifically for Jewish educators!

Who Should Attend

Educators who:

  • Work in formal and informal settings
  • Work in day or synagogue schools
  • Create and facilitate family and intergenerational programs
  • Teach history
  • Teach writing and research skills

Sunday, July 28th is the date. The program begins with breakfast and a keynote by noted Jewish educator and genealogist Carol Oseran Starin, former Vice-President of the Jewish Federation of Seattle. Participants may select from two workshop time periods, each with a choice from three nationally known presenters, followed by lunch and idea exchanges.

Program Details

Goal

To introduce educators to how Jewish genealogy strengthens students’ Jewish identity through the experience of researching their roots and how their history shaped family and community.

Schedule

8:30–9:00 Registration and light breakfast
9:00–10:00 Keynote speaker: What is Jewish about Jewish Genealogy, Carol Starin
10:15–11:15 Three workshop sessions
  1. Jewish Genealogy for Beginners, Maurice Kices
  2. Designing an “Introduction to Jewish Genealogy” Program: Being Ready for Surprises, Sylvia Abrams
  3. Projects That Draw Youth to Ancestral Roots, Eli Rabinowitz
11:30–12:30 Three workshop sessions
  1. DNA as a Genealogy Tool, Gil Bardige
  2. JewishGen—Everything You Need to Know, Phyllis Kramer
  3. How to Get Kids Involved in Family History, Daniel Horowitz
12:30–1:15 Lunch and “tachlis” how to implement ideas
1:15–2:45 Participation in SHARE Fair and Exhibits
2:45–4:00 Education track participants are invited to the conference keynote address
 
 
Title of the Presentation  Projects That Will Draw Our Youth Back To Their Shtetl 
Short Title  Visit the shtetl: the virtual way forward! 
Type of Session  Presentation 
Topic or Category  Jewish History and Culture 
Methodology and Mechanics 
Telling Your Family Story 
Using Technology for Research 
   
Brief Abstract of Your Presentation  Since 2011, and after nine trips to Poland and Lithuania, as well as travel to Belarus, Germany, Russia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Turkey and Israel, I have compiled a sizeable collection of information, stories, photos and contacts. My focus is not only about my own family history, but that of Jewish cultural history, general history, as well as contemporary Jewish life. Working with schools in these countries, I have been able to bring students together online to collaborate and to exchange information about the lands of their heritage.

My presentation takes you on a tour of how you can use this body of work to further your own knowledge on family research, Jewish cultural heritage and Jewish life. This includes a tour of my 86 JewishGen KehilaLink websites, including 55 in Europe, plus over 600 posts and pages on my Tangential Travel and Jewish Life website and associated social media. 
Presentation is best suited for  All skills 
How will your presentation help your intended audience?  Expand research skills 
Develop interview skills 
Teach best practices 
Expand social media skills 
Teach innovative strategies 
Assist with personal research 
 
 
 
Second Talk – Tuesday 30 July 2019
Title of the Presentation  WE ARE HERE! Project: Becoming An Upstander Rather Than A Bystander 
Short Title  How Jewish Partisans Inspire Our Youth To Stand Up 
Type of Session  Presentation 
Topic or Category  Genealogy and Jewish History Related to WW2 
Jewish History and Culture 
Methodology and Mechanics 
Preserving our Jewish Past 
   
Brief Abstract of Your Presentation  WE ARE HERE! Project
This project seeks to inspire in young people the confidence and ability to stand up in the face of prejudice and oppression.
Encourages and inspires Upstanders through the stories of Jewish Partisans and the learning of Zog Nit Keynmol
Provides role models for standing up for yourself in the face of prejudice, hatred, violence and evil
Shows that an individual can make a difference – regardless of their personal circumstances
Translates the stories of Jewish Partisans and the words of Zog Nit Keynmol into a universal message of hope and inspiration for all who are victims of prejudice and oppression
Empowers young people to create the change they want to see in their communities and the world.
Teaches that while the partisans used weapons – they were fighting the Nazis – you can fight oppression with only your voice and presence 
Presentation is best suited for  All skills 
How will your presentation help your intended audience?  Teach best practices 
Expand social media skills 
Teach innovative strategies 


With Heather Blumenthal and Richard Freedman at the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre

http://ctholocaust.co.za
 

Huge Fire At Arthur’s Road Shul

My cousin Sonia Bloch in  Cape Town sent me these photos a short time ago – feeling sad!

 

Video

 

Some history

The official signing on 28 March 1953 – Arthur’s Road, Sea Point.

On the left is my paternal grandfather, Rev. Nachum Mendel Rabinowitz and on the right my maternal grandfather, Socher Zeldin.

Chabad signing 1953

Chabaad Arthur's Road 1953

Framed photo in the shul

DSC_1860

Article in Maccabean Weekly newspaper, Perth, Australia 2013

Arthurs Road

Rabbi Sam Thurgood giving a lesson.

dsc_1861

My interview with Philip Goldman on 22 December 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvcWtWv8Mng

IMG_1577

The shul website:

http://www.morasha.co.za

Screen Shot 2015-08-08 at 12.24.18 am

From my post in 2013:

Last week I visited the Arthur’s Road Shul in Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa.

My previous visit was in November 2012.

Both also included research at the Kaplan Centre, UCT and the Gitlin Library at the Gardens Shul complex.

I have a personal interest in the shul as both my grandfathers, Rev. N M Rabinowitz and Socher Zeldin were present on 28 March 1953 at the signing of the documents establishing the shul in Sea Point.

Furthermore, my late cousin, Phyllis Jowell and her husband Cecil were linked with the restoration of the shul in more recent times.

The Shul Today

DSC_1888

From my previous posts:

The original shul was in Buitenkant Street. Documents from Kaplan Centre at UCT. Thanks to Veronica Belling.

Buitenkant St Buitenkant St Shul 3 Buitenkant St Shul

StitchSCAN0047-SCAN0049 Chabaad group photo SAJC s

StitchSCAN0063-SCAN0065

Buitenkants St Shul News

Framed photos found in the shul under the ladies’ section. Thanks Wendy Berger.

DSC_7067

The names of the men in this photo were found in a newspaper article on the same day  at the Kaplan Centre, UCT.

shapeimage_2

Second framed photo found at the shul.

DSC_7066

DSC_7073

The shul then moved to Virginia Ave, Vredehoek

Virginia Ave Shul Virginia Ave Shul 2

100th Anniversary Brochure – article by Philip Goldman

Arthur's Road 100 Anniv 0

Arthur's Road 100 Anniv 1

The plaque in memory of Lily Segall, mother of Bubbles and daughter of Israel Kellner.

DSC_1850

 


  

 

Leaving Memel – Refugees from the Reich

Leaving Memel – Refugees from the Reich is Fred Finkelstein’s current film on his family, thirty-five years in the making.
 
This is a film based on the life events of Cherie Goren and her family, who were forced to leave their home in Memel, now Klaipeda, Lithuania, when the Nazis took over the country in 1941. Cherie’s story is captured in this remarkable film by producer Fred Finkelstein, Cherie’s nephew. The film has enjoyed worldwide circulation, by describing how this family survived during one of civilization’s most horrible periods. 
 
 
From Fred Finkelstein:
I want people to see the film and foster dialogue around the issues that are front and centre, especially human rights, immigration and the racism that so often accompanies it.
 
Whether you are Jewish or not, the issues brought to light here touch all of us, in ways both subtle and overt.
 
Watch the movie:
vimeo.com/256360106/2c142b998f
 
Leaving Memel

Leaving Memel_2_18_18

Online screener for “Leaving Memel: Refugees from the Reich” Produced & Directed by Fred Finkelstein Edited by Pad McLaughlin ©2018 Fred Finkelstein

Movie Source: vimeo.com/256360106/2c142b998f

Fred Finkelstein:
www.sparklestone.org
 
Memel / Klaipeda KehilaLink:
 
 
 
 

SJM Lecture – WE ARE HERE! Project

The Partisan Song Project – WE ARE HERE!
The Sydney Jewish Museum

 10 October 2018

Lunchtime Lecture – The Partisan Song Project: We Are Here

The Partisans’ Song, written by Hirsh Glik, age 22, in the Vilna Ghetto in 1943, is one of the most powerful songs of resistance and defiance ever written.

Source: sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au/shop/events/lunchtime-lecture-partisan-song-project/

Zog Nit Keynmol – Bettina and Nogah

DSCN3779

Bettina & Nogah singing Zog Nit Keynmol at the Sydney Jewish Museum 10 October 2018

Source: youtu.be/Prnb7Mc5LDs

Some of my slides

IMG_3460 IMG_3462 IMG_3468 IMG_3471 IMG_3480 IMG_3489 IMG_3491 IMG_3494 IMG_3502 IMG_3506 IMG_3520 IMG_3522 IMG_3528 IMG_3537 IMG_3542 IMG_3548 IMG_3552 IMG_3554 IMG_3559 IMG_3560 IMG_3562 IMG_3564 IMG_3568 IMG_3569 IMG_3572 IMG_3574 IMG_3579
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Photos by Avi Abelsohn

Slideshow:
The Meaning And Significance Of The Partisans’ Song

The Meaning And Significance Of The Partisans’ Song

A Video For Teachers MENU: Introduction – SABC TV Why is singing the song so Important? – Phillip Maisel Defiance Trailer – Bielski Jewish Partisans Soviet N…

Source: youtu.be/NRcGcNGrYWo

Genres:
The Partisans’ Song – Genres

The Partisans’ Song – Genres

A Video For Teachers MENU: The Melody – Pokrass Brothers Original Russian Soundtrack Irish Folk Band – The Rathmines Japanese Version – Isao Oiwa Kugelplex K…

Source: youtu.be/_qeCD6lmMIM

WE ARE HERE! For Upstanders

WE ARE HERE! For Upstanders

Source: wah.foundation

IMG_2203 IMG_2205 IMG_2176
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With Mandy, Les, Avi and Jonathan

Eva Engel OAM

IMG_2185 IMG_2182
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Lunchtime Lecture – The Partisan Song Project: WE ARE HERE!

Lunchtime Lecture: The Partisan Song Project – WE ARE HERE!
The Sydney Jewish Museum

Wednesday, 10 October 2018 – 1:15pm

Lunchtime Lecture – The Partisan Song Project: We Are Here

The Partisans’ Song, written by Hirsh Glik, age 22, in the Vilna Ghetto in 1943, is one of the most powerful songs of resistance and defiance ever written.

Source: sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au/shop/events/lunchtime-lecture-partisan-song-project/

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