Endorsements
Statement on Violins of Hope
The South Carolina Council on the Holocaust is proud to endorse the world-renowned Violins of Hope program which will combine with Varna International to offer statewide concerts and educational events in South Carolina in 2022. We are excited to help host this program in South Carolina and directly include schools, teachers, and students in this experience. Collectively, this program will serve as an indelible event in Holocaust commemoration throughout the state. In addition to the Violins of Hope program, the association with Varna International and its Songs of Life furthers this connection as they commemorate a specific story of hope, resistance, and survival of Bulgarians who defied Nazi authorities to save almost 50,000 Jews during World War II.
Statement from
The Columbia Jewish Federation
“The Columbia Jewish Federation is proud to endorse the world-renowned Violins of Hope program which will combine with Varna International to offer statewide concerts and educational events in South Carolina in 2022. We are excited to help host this program in South Carolina and directly include schools, teachers, and students in this experience. Collectively, this program will serve as an indelible event in Holocaust commemoration throughout the state. This is our obligation as a community to educate others about the Holocaust, and together condemn antisemitism and hate of any kind I would like to encourage you to support Violins of Hope and join us in this act of education.
Statement from
Phillip Pagal, Orchestra Director at Ridge View High School
Phillip Pagal, Orchestra Director at Ridge View High School, expresses the educational importance of their May 9th 2022 events: “As the Orchestra Lead Teacher of Richland School District Two it is my pleasure to submit this letter supporting the mission and values of Violins of Hope and Varna International. The Richland District Two Orchestra teachers are proud to be able to collaborate with Violins of Hope and Varna International on such a significant historical event. The interactive concert, on May 9th, will include guest artists, who have been vital in bringing Violins of Hope to life. Richland Two Honors Orchestra students will be inspired by local and international musicians who retell part of the Jewish Holocaust through the Violins of Hope project.”
Statement from
Rabbi Avraham (Avi) Perets at Temple Emanu-El
Rabbi Avraham (Avi) Perets at Temple Emanu-El in Myrtle Beach is a wonderful, wise friend of our volunteer team. Here’s part of his endorsement: “This extraordinary program not only brings culture, history, and glorious music to South Carolina, but also brings awareness to the Holocaust…The Holocaust took place eighty years ago, and unfortunately, many members of our younger generation may not be fully aware of it. I believe Violins of Hope will bring tremendous education to all of our citizens.”
Statement from
The Sumter County Museum
The Sumter County Museum is proud to endorse the Violins of Hope South Carolina program, presenting the collaboration of Violins of Hope South Carolina and Varna International for their educational events and performances in the state next year. They had plans for performances and associated school programs in four big cities in the state but were open to exploring opportunities in smaller towns like Sumter. Since then, we’ve agreed on a May performance date with an additional day for a school visit, violin exhibit display, and educational speakers related to the violins in Sumter. This is an amazing opportunity for our residents in Sumter and those throughout the state. Since opening the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center in 2018, we’ve seen the difficulties teachers face in educating students about the Holocaust. By physically exhibiting and playing instruments that belonged to Holocaust victims, the Violins of Hope program commemorates the Holocaust in a powerful way that has the ability to bring these stories to life for residents and students of all ages.