Holocaust exhibition in Queensland
Shadows of Shoah had its international debut in Brisbane this week with members of federal, state and local governments joining the Jewish community and invited guests to see the artistic and moving exhibition.
Jeff Cooker, Lee McNamee QJBD and Perry Trotter
The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies (QJBD), in co-operation with the Sydney Jewish Museum and Shadows of Shoah, are staging the exhibition in Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast from now until November.
Dignitaries attending the launch included: Steve Minnikin, (Queensland Member for Chatsworth and chairman of the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Israel), Duncan Pegg (Queensland Member for Stretton), Councilor Vicki Howard (Central Ward), Councilor Peter Cumming (Wynnum Manly Ward) and Federal Senator Claire Moore. Also, members of other faiths and dignitaries attended the opening.
President of the QJBD, Jason Steinberg, said the exhibition was yet another way to educate Queenslanders about the shoah and impact of antisemitism.
“Holding this exhibition for the first time outside New Zealand is a huge honour for Queensland because it will help educate adults and school children about antisemitism and the evils of the Holocaust,” Jason said.
“It is an artistically brilliant and moving tribute to survival. We are honoured that seven Queenslanders have been interviewed and will be highlighted as part of the exhibition during the coming months.”
Shadows of Shoah Director, Jeff Cook, from New Zealand said he was also delighted the exhibition could tour to Queensland.
“Shadows of Shoah is an artistic project, communicating the gravity and significance of the Holocaust in a unique way, so we are very grateful to be able to bring it to Queensland and Australia.”
The exhibition was developed by Perry Trotter who is also a Director of Shadows of the Shoah. He felt that for all the documentation and research on the Holocaust, the human face was missing and that a shadow is cast upon Jewish people when the shoah is discussed. As a non-Jew, Perry understands that he is approaching this subject as an outsider, somewhat an intruder so he treads carefully, with respect to ensure each survivor’s story is faithfully conveyed.
The Brisbane event is being hosted by the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation and co-ordinated by Lee McNamee form the QJBD.
At all events in Queensland, admission is by reservation only.
Shadows of Shoah runs in Brisbane until September 16th. It will then travel to Cairns and the Gold Coast. Bookings and enquiries can be made through [email protected] or by contacting 0400 110 929.
