WWII Exhibit Teaches Understanding and Tolerance

A German officer’s ceremonial sword, passport of an Auschwitz survivor and a copy of Hitler’s Mein Kampf are the first three artifacts that have been donated to the Israel Arbeiter Gallery of Understanding at the in Norwood.

Supporters of the gallery have launched a campaign to collect and preserve memorabilia from the pre-war through post-war era, mainly between 1933-1948; from the rise of the Nazis to the founding of the modern State of Israel.

“World War II era books, letters, photos and other artifacts are in danger of being lost, thrown out, or sold,” says gallery Co-Chair Dr. Gila Kriegel. “We hope to create an exhibit that tells the story of that period to students and other visitors in a tangible, dramatic way. We want to ensure that artifacts are permanently preserved so they continue to bear witness to the Holocaust.”

Each artifact has an interesting background of how it found its way to the gallery, and an exhibit card tells each story.

Dr. Kriegel, the child of a Holocaust survivor, says, “Many Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, collectors, historians, their families and others may possess historically important, unique and interesting Holocaust-era artifacts. Here’s a way to preserve rare items and use them for educational purposes for generations to come.”

The focal point of the gallery is a series of large panels tracing 86 year-old Izzy Arbeiter’s life from pre-war Poland through emigration and building a new life in America.

The mission of the gallery according to Arbeiter is, “To teach children not to hate.”

“We can't ignore people with crazy ideas," he said. "They must be stopped before they gain strength."

Dedicated three years ago, the gallery is a meeting place for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about prejudice and ways to build bridges.

Also on display in the gallery is artwork on interfaith understanding by Jewish and Catholic children and a display about Raoul Wallenberg, Swedish diplomat credited with saving some 10,000 people from the Nazis, who posthumously received the gallery’s second annual ‘Righteous Among Nations’ Award.

To be accepted, donated items must meet parameters related to historical value, educational aspects, appropriateness for a K – 8 school, etc. Monetary value is not important. Anyone interested in donating papers, photographs or artifacts may contact Stan Hurwitz: 508-269-0570 / stanhurw@comcast.net, or djoiner@sassds.org or call 781-769-9400.