https://gailborden.info/violinsofhope
A new collection of Violins of Hope are now on display at the Gail Borden Public Library at 270 N. Grove, Elgin, Illinois.
The new collection of violins all have poignant stories as they were played before or during the holocaust. "The Silberstein" was played by Violette Jacquet-Silberstein who played in Alma Rosé's Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz. This violin just became part of the collection in 2022 when the family honored the project with her story of survival based on making the orchestra. The Feivel Wininger Violin supported not only former gifted child violinist Feivel Wininger, but also his family and 17 other people. The Vanderveen was played and owned by Joyce Vanderveen who fled the Nazis on bike. She became the star of the Royal Netherlands Ballet and the Monte Carlo Ballet. She also starred in many television shows and movies, including The Ten Commandments.
The Violins of Hope are coming from the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago (JCC Chicago). This international sensation showcases Jewish stories of resilience, resistance and unity through the power of musical performance.
“Through hands-on experiences of performance, learning about their unique stories, and thinking into the future with the powerful knowledge of the ability of the human spirit to overcome hate and evil, we aspire to make a difference for all who experience this amazing project,” said Ilene Uhlmann, JCC Chicago’s Director of Community Engagement and Violins of Hope.
The Violins of Hope are located on the second floor of the library. Collaboratively, visitors will also enjoy the Elgin History Museum's award-winning traveling exhibit that focuses on a century of the Jewish experience in Elgin, Illinois. Starting with the arrival of the Adler brothers in the 1850s, it portrays a significant story of struggle and achievement culminating a century later with the building of a new synagogue, the consecration of a Jewish cemetery and the valued participation of Jewish individuals in all aspects of Elgin’s life. In addition, the Jewish Artists Collective Chicago art exhibit is currently located on the library's second floor.
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Docent-led Tours - Trained docents will be providing tours of the exhibit at the library. People may sign up here - https://gbpl.info/VOHtours.
Programs - Along with the Violins of Hope exhibit at the Main library, there will be many programs online, at the library and in the community.
Library Programs of Hope
Part of the JCC's Violins of Hope project, everyone is invited to attend programs in person at various area public libraries or to participate in all programs virtually. All of these virtual programs will be on
Gail Borden Public Library's Facebook Live: gbpl.info/FBLV.
These programs are also being offered hybrid - in person at the listed location and virtually from Schaumburg Township District Library, Joliet Public Library, Vernon Area Public Library, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Aurora Public Library District, Skokie Public Library and Gail Borden Public Library. Please check the respective library website for more information.
Please check in person locations.
Through the Eyes of a Friend
Through the Eyes of a Friend is a nationally acclaimed performance that honors the world of Anne Frank and young people during the Holocaust. Bear witness to history and experience World War II through a dynamic combination of live theater and archival film footage. Performed by Elgin Kelley, who started working with Living Voices in 2008. She studied theatre at Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Drew University.
Tuesday, August 1 l 2 pm Register
Age - Families
In person in the Meadows Community Rooms at the Gail Borden Public Library Main Library. This presentation does contain disturbing images and is recommended for the fifth graders and above.
Tuesday, August 1 l 7 pm
Age - Adults
In person at Aurora Public Library, 101 S. River St., Aurora 60506
Footsteps of My Father: A Story of Courage, Resilience and Honor
Friday, August 11 l Noon
Age - Everyone
In person at Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, 60004
Pastor Chris Edmonds tells the story of his father, WWII hero Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds, whose fearless bravery saved the lives of more than 200 Jewish American soldiers in a prisoner of war camp in Germany.
The Suitcase
Thursday, Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Meadows Community Rooms - Main Library
The Suitcase is a one man multimedia show that blends narrative storytelling, photos, video and music to tell of one family’s experience before, during and after the Holocaust. The music is all original and performed live using looping technology to weave layered story elements through classical string instruments. The project serves to reflect on what one family endured as antisemitism grew in Germany, when nationalism, intolerance, and dehumanization were allowed to prosper. Ultimately, it is a meditation on the hope and resilience of immigrants determined to thrive and forge new lives for themselves and their children when forced to leave their homeland to survive. Please register.
Sound Collaboration: ESO String Quartet
Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Meadows Community Rooms Main Library
Join the ESO String Quartet in concert commemorating the extraordinary Violins of Hope exhibit. Learn about exciting new exhibits and events coming soon to the library and symphony. Please register.
For more information about the collaborative Violins of Hope project, please visit https://www.gailborden.info/violinsofhope.
For more information about this project in Illinois, please visit https://www.jccchicago.org/violins-of-hope/.
About JCC Chicago:
JCC (Jewish Community Centers) Chicago, founded in 1903 and rooted in Jewish values, offers a life-affirming journey fostering a connected, inclusive community from birth through senior years. With a focus on growing good kids and building connections, it is JCC Chicago’s mission to strengthen the Jewish community, from generation to generation. Today, JCC Chicago serves a diverse population of more than 60,000 community members who learn, grow, and thrive through early childhood, day and overnight camps, teen, adult and family offerings, fitness and wellness, aquatics & sports and special events and happenings year-round.
With headquarters in Northbrook, JCC Chicago has over a dozen facilities that serve the greater Chicagoland area including: seven Early Childhood and Daycare Centers, nine Apachi Day Camp locations, Camp Chi Overnight Camp and Perlstein Retreat Center (located in Lake Delton, WI) and five Community Centers. For more information on JCC Chicago programming and commitment to community visit, www.jccchicago.org.
About the Gail Borden Public Library:
The Gail Borden Public Library District is "fueled by the power of community." Because of its impact working with many partners, the library has been recognized numerous times, including the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an American library. Serving a population of nearly 150,000, it is the largest public library district (self governed) in the state of Illinois. With numerous literary resources and exciting exhibits like dinosaurs, space and LEGO™ architecture, the library strives to engage people of all ages through education, recreation and creativity.
Denise Raleigh / Division Chief, Public Relations & Development