Music of Courage to remember 'Never Again'

On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Holocaust Center presented their annual Kristallnacht commemoration, this year titled Music of Courage. Nearly 150 people attended and were enchanted by two illustrious musicians, Dr. Aaron Hilbun and Rose Shlyam Grace, as songs and poems reflecting on Kristallnacht, were performed.

Dr. Aaron Hilbun has been featured as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player on four continents. Overseas appearances include Evensong performances at St. Path's Cathedral, London, at the Festival Internacional Bach in Trujillo, Peru and at the Czech Music Camp for Youth in Horni Jeleni, Czech Republic. A longtime Central Florida resident, among some of the local organizations that Dr. Hilbun performs with includes the Bach Festival Society in Winter Park, the Brevard Symphony and Walt Disney World Orchestras. In addition to his performing, Dr. Hilbun currently serves on the faculties of Rollins College and Bethune-Cookman University.

Grace holds a doctorate in piano performance from Eastman School of Music, an M.A. in musicology from the University of Chicago, and a B.N. in piano performance and musicology from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She has taught and inspired music at various schools and universities and most recently, was presented with the B-CU Community Service Award for her outstanding work with the Music Outreach Program.

As the Holocaust Center states, we must remember the past to protect the future. Kristallnacht is the day of all days in history we must remember most clearly. This is the day when the greatest crime against humanity was so clear, so compelling that no one could escape its significance. This is when horrifying destruction on Jewish families, homes, synagogues and businesses were targeted for vandalism. This destruction is not the most significant reason we must remember Kristallnacht. What must be remembered is that the world saw it happen, and knew of its brutality. On this day, more than any other day, we must think about it say, Never Again.

Upcoming events at The Holocaust Center

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center is an organization dedicated to remembering and teaching the lessons of the Holocaust as a means to combat anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice. The Center’s goal of developing a just, tolerant and inclusive community is achieved through its extensive outreach of educational and cultural programs, which are available to the entire community and generally provided free of charge.

The current exhibit, “Hateful Things,” a display of stereotypes and racist materials in advertising, entertainment and other media that demeaned and marginalized African-Americans, through Dec. 14.

December’s Educational Forum: “Ghetto Heroes: Inspiring Acts of Resistance and Rescue” on Dec. 4.

December’s Book Club reading, “Devil in the Grove” by Gilbert King on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.

For more information regarding the Holocaust Center or its programs, visit the website at http://www.holocaustedu.org or contact 407-628-0555.