This week, B’nai B’rith remembers Krystallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, which took place across Europe Nov. 9-10, 1938. During that horrific time, at least 91 Jews were killed and countless synagogues, Jewish-owned stores, community centers, and homes were attacked, looted, and destroyed. In commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the Krystallnacht tragedy, B’nai B’rith held a ceremony in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Nov. 17.
Among the large number of participants in this year’s B’nai B’rith commemoration were prominent Uruguayans including Vice President Rodolfo Nin Nova; former Presidents Luis Alberto Lacalle, Julio Sanguinetti, and Jorge Batlle; presidents of the Supreme Court of Justice; and other politicians, dignitaries, and international representatives.
“Our commemoration of Krystallnacht is an annual reminder of the tragedies that took place so that they may not be repeated again,” said B’nai B’rith International President Moishe Smith. “It is vital to both the Jewish community and the global community that we hold these remembrance ceremonies, to teach our children and remind the world of what took place.”
“We are pleased that so many members of the Latin American political and diplomatic community came out in support of this important commemoration,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “Their presence confirms that this is a worldwide day of sadness, not just a Jewish one.”
The event, which was broadcast by four television channels and several radio stations, was headlined by Argentinean journalist and physician Dr. Nelson Castro.
“Goebbels’ machinery was accepted by the German society,” Castro said, “and the media obeyed in silence the orders of Nazism. Media must have a commitment with the truth; it is crucial to remember such a rogue regime which corrupted and destroyed all values.”
In remembrance, several survivors of the Shoah joined to light a Menorah as part of the ceremony. Nova, Castro, Israeli Ambassador to Uruguay Dori Goren, and B’nai B’rith Uruguay and Paraguay President Jorge Loef lit the central candle.
Top (L to R): Pictured observing the ceremony are B'nai B'rith Uruguay and Paraguay President Jorge Loef and Betty Loeff; former Uruguayan President Julio Sanguinetti; former Uruguayan President and Presidential candidate Luis Alberto Lacalle; Senator Jorge Larranaga; and former Uruguayan President Jorge Batlle.
Bottom: Argentinean journalist and physician Dr. Nelson Castro delivering his address.
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