VIOLINS OF HOPE

On November 17, 1983, Elie Wiesel began his Forum speech “Why Hate?” on memory and the Holocaust by saying, “The best thing one can do at noon on a Thursday is to tell stories.”

Now, more than 42 years later, we gather anew to consider the power of stories and the role of music and memory by welcoming Violins of Hope, presented by the Minnesota JCC. Violins of Hope is a powerful collection of over 70 restored string instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. These extraordinary violins will be featured in May 2026 in local performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that honor the memory of the Holocaust and carry a message of hope, resilience, resistance, and unity. Our Forum will feature some of these instruments and will weave together their stories with music played on them, as we consider the role of story and storytelling in defending human rights and human dignity.

With special thanks to:

• The Minnesota JCC for making this presentation possible.
• Rabbi Marcia A. Zimmerman of Temple Israel in Minneapolis for weaving together this beautiful tapestry of music, memory, and story and providing program commentary. 
• Avshalom (Avshai) Weinstein for sharing some of his and his father’s story and the Violins of Hope.
• The Rev. Dr. Jessica Patchett of Westminster Presbyterian Church for serving as moderator.

The musicians and special guest readers.

All whose stories are carried in these violins. Might we never forget.