The Women of Kristallnacht

On November 9 to November 10, 1938, thousands of Jews were subject to terror and violence by the Nazis.  Jewish synagogues and businesses were destroyed, and approximately 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and taken to concentration camps. The name Kristallnacht came from the shards of broken glass that littered the streets after the windows of Jewish-owned stores, buildings, and synagogues were shattered.

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Kristallnacht, Professor Kevin Ostoyich was invited to make a presentation in a joint program between Congregation Shaarey Tivkah and B’Nai Jeshurun Congregation in Beachwood, Ohio.   Professor  Ostoyich told the story of Ida Abraham, Auguste Sternberg, and Grete Gabler in Mothers:  Remembering Three Women on the 80th Anniversary of Kristallnacht.  Professor Ostoyich also had an article by the same name recently published by the AICGS, which can be read here.

The event was live-streamed and can be viewed at Kristallnacht Commemoration.  In addition, Cleveland Jewish News published two articles with respect to the event; please see “Shaarey Tikvah, B’nai Jeshurun to Commemorate Kristallnacht” and “80th Anniversary of Kristallnacht Highlights Women’s Stories”.