(Courtesy of JFGMW NJ) Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey is now showing its “Holocaust Heroes: Fierce Females” exhibit. Part of an installation conceived and created by New York City artist and educator Linda Stein, the exhibit consists of beautifully wrought 21st-century tapestries, shadow boxes, “armor” and more, that tell of the crucial part women played in the Resistance during the Holocaust. It is part of the Holocaust Council of Greater MetroWest’s signature exhibit, “From Memory to History: Faces and Voices of the Holocaust,” whose theme this year is resistance.
Most don’t think of young Jewish women fighting and leading others to victory, but that’s precisely what many women, including Zivia Lubetkin, Vitka Kempner and Hannah Senesh, did. Others, such as Anne Frank and Ruth Gruber, fought with pens and cameras. Some, such as Vladka Meed, were couriers, moving in and out of ghettos to acquire weapons and share vital information with other resistance groups. Still others were espionage agents or worked with the French Resistance to rescue downed Allied airmen and return them safely to their units.
This exhibit depicts real women, most of whom were quite ordinary before the war, but became extraordinary models of courage and resilience.
“Holocaust Heroes: Fierce Females,” along with “From Memory to History” will be on exhibit through May 3, at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus, 901 Route 10, Whippany. There is no charge and all are welcome during regular business hours and occasional evenings and Sundays. To schedule a docent-led group tour, contact the Holocaust Council at [email protected] or 973-929- 3194.
