In a world shrouded in the darkest depths of human history, where the Holocaust cast its ominous shadow, hope and resistance found an unexpected ally: music.
The cello, violin, and viola, once silenced by the horrors of the past, have received a new lease on life. For some, the instruments were forever tainted by those haunting memories, and they never touched them again. For others, the music became an inseparable part of their very beings. Many of these precious instruments have been handed down through generations of survivors’ families, a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and resistance.
Kevan Kosobayashi, Neuqua Valley’s orchestra director, reached out to Violins of Hope and got a member of the Chicago Jewish Community Center (JCC) to come and give a presentation at Neuqua Valley on the collection, as well as give some of the orchestra students a chance to play on them. In general, though, people are allowed to and encouraged to play any music they desire. Allowing Neuqua students to have the freedom to perform essentially whatever they’d like is largely symbolic. It is a celebration, both of music, culture and self-expression. Playing also makes us feel more connected to the core messages that the Violins of Hope are trying to share, that of not only hope but the advice to be an upstander who helps others.
Having the instruments survive the Holocaust, a cultural genocide, and having them tour the world is a statement that not just Jewish culture, but any culture, cannot be wiped out. It is important that we continue reflecting and learning about the past, even the atrocities, and the Violins of Hope is one of the lenses through which we do that.
Today, as we recognize the importance of these instruments to the families of second and third-generation survivors, we understand their profound significance. These cherished violins and cellos have become more than mere objects; they are symbols of resilience. They are an opportunity to teach future generations about the brave spirit of those who refused to be silenced by one of history’s darkest chapters. Through exhibitions and performances, we ensure that the legacy of hope and resistance lives on, carried by these instruments representing endurance.
