Saint John Jewish Museum Fund September 18, 2013 Still Coping with the Consequences of the Holocaust Saint John, NB - Sir Andrew Burns will be guest speaker at a major luncheon on Friday, October 11, 2013 at the Delta Brunswick Hotel in Saint John. The luncheon is a community fundraiser to benefit the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum. Reached in London, Sir Andrew says he is pleased that high school students will be part of the audience. “One of the key objectives is to try to ensure the younger generation doesn’t simply dismiss the holocaust as some dusty old event from the past with no relevance,” said Sir Andrew, the United Kingdom’s first Envoy for post-Holocaust Issues “We hope they understand what a truly extraordinary and exceptional event it was, deeply rooted in human behavior and European history.” Sir Andrew will talk about the relevance of the Holocaust around the world, 70 years after World War Two. Many people today, mostly minorities, continue to be victims of genocide or other forms of state-supported atrocities. Sir Andrew’s speech is entitled: Still Coping with the Consequences of the Holocaust. “We are extremely fortunate Sir Andrew agreed to speak here on this important occasion,” said Gary Davis, President of the Saint John Jewish Historical Society. “Recognition of the Holocaust itself and its consequences are important lessons for people of all ages and backgrounds.” The students attending the luncheon, thanks to generous sponsors, will learn how they can help prevent future catastrophes of any size, on any people, anywhere in the world wherever they may happen. Sir Andrew, a former British High Commissioner to Canada and British Ambassador to Israel, was appointed to his current role in 2010. Next year, Sir Andrew will serve as chairman of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, an international body which brings together policy makers, government officials, experts, NGO’s, academics and survivors from 31 countries. He will follow the current chairman Dr. Mario Silva who is from Canada. Sir Andrew says the focus of the Alliance is to teach the Holocaust to the younger generation. When discussing how the Holocaust is viewed today in many countries, Sir Andrew is pleased with an extensive educational curriculum that is compulsory in most western countries. However, it took many years to establish. “I think if there is a problem it is that many societies have genuine difficulty in facing up to the pain and anguish acquired by an honest re-appraisal of what happened in the 1930’s, 1940’s.” said Sir Andrew. Since its inception in 1986, The Saint John Jewish Historical Museum has worked to preserve the history and heritage of the city’s Jewish community through its collection and displays since it was established in the 19th Century. It collects and preserves books, oral and video interviews, manuscripts, records, biographies, photographs and other documents that relate to the history of the Jewish community. The Greater Saint John Community Foundation manages the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum Fund. The fund was established in 2011 to give annual grants to the Museum to ensure the perpetual existence of its collection. The Fund is managed independently from the Museum. The Foundation manages many funds throughout the city. Revenues from these funds are donated to the community on an annual basis through the Foundation’s granting program. Tickets for the luncheon are $100 and include a three course meal and a $65 tax receipt. Tickets are available from the office of the Greater Saint John Community Foundation at 76 Princess Street. They may be reserved by telephone, 672-8880, or by email, [email protected]. They are also available from the box office at Harbour Station. For more information please contact: Gary Davis, President Saint John Jewish Historical Museum Cell#721-0911 Media Inquiries: Lorne Daltrop Cell#650-9335 Email: teaclipper1@gmail
Posted on: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 17:22:15 +0000
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