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What is Kristallnacht?

Kristallnacht was the first violent pogrom, or riot, on Western European soil in hundreds of years. Dozens of Jewish people were murdered; 30,000 more were deported to concentration camps; more than 1000 synagogues were burned or vandalized and hundreds and hundreds of Jewish shops, businesses and homes were vandalized and ransacked. Immediately after Kristallnacht, a fine of one billion marks was levied, not upon the criminals, but upon the victims, the German Jewish community (See authentic historical newspaper articles reporting this). For the Jewish community of Germany, and indeed all of Europe, this night truly was end of the beginning, and the beginning of the end.

Though 60 years ago, Kristallnacht still stands as a vital reminder of the extreme consequences of allowing racism to take root in a society. Remembering this historical moment helps us as all to pursue our responsibility as citizens to speak out and act before racism begins to spread. With the rise of bigotry and Holocaust denial in many places, including our own community, Kristallnacht provides a compelling lesson of what can happen if hatred is ignored.

Commemorate the Anniversary of the Kristallnacht,

Remember and learn about the Holocaust,
reflect on what it means for us today,and
rekindle hope for a better future.

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