In his stirring book In the Garden of the Righteous: The Heroes Who Risked Their Lives to Save Jews During the Holocaust, Richard Hurowitz pays tribute to ten individuals who risked their lives, liberties, and careers to help their neighbors, and often complete strangers, to survive. Featured in the book are those recognized by Yad Vashem in Israel, notably the story of Georg Duckwitz, a German diplomat in occupied Denmark who alerted the Danes to the intended date of the Jewish deportation and helped arrange their safe passage to Sweden. Other incredible profiles include Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes; Italian cycling champion Gino Bartali; Polish social worker Irena Sendler; Japanese spy Chinue Sugihara; and H.A. and Margarite Rey, the co-creators of Curious George.
Richard Hurowitz is joined in conversation by Margaret Hoover, host of PBS’ “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover." They will discuss how these stories are a timely reminder of the dangers of extremism, as well as of the persistence of decency and humanity in treacherous times. A book signing will follow, with books available for purchase.
This program is a part of the Museum’s series of programming around our upcoming exhibition Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark, the Museum’s first exhibition for visitors 9 and up about the incredible story of the Danish Rescue.
Doors open at 6:00 PM. The Museum is free and open to all on Thursdays from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with Jewish and Russian fare on offer from LOX Cafe. Currently on view: The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do, Survivors: Faces of Life After the Holocaust, and Andy Goldsworthy’s Garden of Stones.