Star of David project
Two exhibits featuring stars is currently on display at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road, through Sunday, April 27. Jen Lewis’ Stars of David Project includes 60 hand drawn panels, each with 20,000 stars, representing Jewish individuals who perished during the Holocaust. Additionally, Holocaust era Jewish stars and concentration camp artifacts from the Gilbert Tabby Collection provide chilling historic references.
The Star of David or Magen David is the universal symbol of the Jewish people and the state of Israel. The star signifies Jews connection to the community and the lens through which Jews see the world. It was the symbol Jews were forced to wear throughout the Holocaust. Between 1933 and 1945, the Jewish community of Europe lost two thirds of its total population, changing the Jewish diaspora forever. An estimated six million men, women, and children were killed in the Holocaust.
Ms. Lewis’ Stars of David Project takes a moment to remember the lives lost, those stories that we know, and those that have been lost. Ms. Lewis has a passion for the visual arts and non-profit management. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she began her career in Jewish Community Centers. Among her proudest achievements was the creation of Live Yes Studio, an alternative arts-based day program for adults with developmental disabilities in Lincoln, Nebraska. She is currently the executive director of AVA.
Mr. Tabby began collecting WWII militia and Holocaust artifacts in the 1950s. David Tabby, his son, realized the importance of making the collection public as an educational tool. The full collection is on permanent display at the Children’s Holocaust Museum at Tennessee’s Whitwell Middle School, and is incorporated in the Paper Clips curriculum.
“We are honored to present these exhibits,” said Federation President and CEO, Michael Dzik. “Holocaust education is a vehicle to remind us that when people are divided, hate has the opportunity to multiply, and can lead to horrific consequences.”
There is no cost to attend. Gallery hours are Monday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., or by appointment. For more information visit www.jewishchattanooga.com or call 493-0270.
Kapo armbands