Summary of 
Light Up The Church 2023

An exquisite silver crown, once a regal adornment for a Torah scroll in a synagogue tragically destroyed during Kristallnacht, has been rescued from obscurity. This precious artifact, now retrieved from an antique shop in Hamburg, carries profound historical significance, symbolizing resilience amid the shadows of a dark past.

Commencing with the horrors of Kristallnacht, the article sheds light on the Kindertransport's commemoration. It emphasizes the significance of this year's High Holy Days for those who escaped Nazi clutches through Kindertransport, touching upon the sanctity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The narrative culminates with a plea for unity and forgiveness, invoking God's protection against future adversities.

Hamburg's Jewish community is rebuilding the Bornplatz Synagogue, destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938. The prominent synagogue, desecrated but not burned, was sold and demolished by the Nazis. Now, after 84 years, officials cut the Aryanisation document in restitution. Daniel Scheffer, leading the campaign, found a stolen Torah crown, symbolizing the fight against antisemitism. The synagogue's rebuilding marks a turning point in Hamburg's Jewish history, overcoming Nazi barbarism. The site's excavation precedes an architectural competition for the new synagogue.

Marion Deichmann's poignant Holocaust story, featured in the virtual reality documentary "Letters from Drancy," recalls her mother's arrest during Vél’ d’Hiv round-up in Paris. The film explores Marion's experiences, separation, and tragic loss at Auschwitz, emphasizing her determination to keep her mother's memory alive. The VR documentary is set to premiere at the London Film Festival, capturing the emotional journey and ensuring the Holocaust's remembrance.

An international conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University will unveil new documents from Pope Pius XII's wartime pontificate. Historian Dr. Michael Hesemann, who studied the Vatican Archives, debunks the "black legend" surrounding Pius XII. Despite challenges, Pius XII actively sought to save Jews, attempting diplomatic interventions and supporting German military opposition. Newly discovered documents, such as a list of hidden Jews in Rome, reshape the narrative, emphasizing Pius XII's significant role in Holocaust rescue efforts.

Romania commemorates the inclusion of Holocaust and Jewish history in school curriculum, acknowledging its dark past. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu emphasizes the importance of facing historical truths for a robust democracy. The move is a significant step toward acknowledging Romania's role in WWII atrocities, with the curriculum change initiated by lawmaker Silviu Vexler. The decision reflects a commitment to counter rising far-right sentiments in Europe. Romania, once a German ally, now confronts its history and aims to educate future generations about the Holocaust and its impact.

Rachel Miller, a Holocaust survivor from Chesterfield, Missouri, vividly recalls the horrors of Nazi Germany's atrocities. Surviving the Holocaust as a child in France, Miller warns of parallels between that dark period and current times, stating, "It all started with Hitler, and we have a few people in this country that resemble him, and that scares me." She draws attention to rising intolerance, emphasizing the need for a government willing to address and curb such trends. Sharing her experiences, Miller urges action against racism, fascism, and nationalism, highlighting the importance of preventing a recurrence of history's darkest chapters.

In Serbia's Šabac, a Holocaust education seminar by TOLI gains traction, combating rising nationalism. The event, organized with local partner Terraforming, involved 30 teachers learning from second-generation survivors. TOLI's broader European efforts aim to address historical awareness and fight antisemitism. The program includes visits to sites tied to Jewish heritage, emphasizing Holocaust education to prevent recurrence.