Muhlenberg College Hillel commemorates Kristallnacht

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, Muhlenberg College Hillel, which was recently named The Leffell Center for Jewish Life, sponsored an event for all students in commemoration of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, Leel habidolach, or the “Night of Broken Glass.”

The disasters of Kristallnacht occurred in 1938 between Nov. 9 to Nov. 10. This was the time when Jewish synagogues in Germany, Austria, and the annexed Czechoslovakian Sudetenland were invaded and attacked. Jewish businesses were obliterated and about 30,000 Jews were forcibly sent to concentration camps. This destruction occurred before World War II and Germany’s policy of exterminating Jews began in 1942.

In the dining room of The Leffell Center for Jewish Life, approximately twenty students gathered to participate in listening to a story that facilitated thoughts and discussions regarding Kristallnacht and after that the group created a mosaic gluing small tiles together in a picture frame as a symbolization for the “Night of Broken Glass.” The mosaic will be displayed inside The Leffell Center for Jewish Life.

“I was quite happy with the turnout and the discussions and I think a lot of people learned about the event and how issues are still prevalent. It was pretty laid back, as we all did the art project together. I felt helpful in the process of creating the event, but more importantly it was inclusive, thought-provoking, and a good time learning with friends in the community,” said active student leader and participant of Hillel Liana Magaliff ’17.

In the past, Muhlenberg College has not officially observed the anniversary of Kristallnacht. However, over the last few years they have been sponsoring events to commemorate this day. Hillel does not necessarily make a mosaic every year, but instead, they create something that commemorates the glass that was shattered on that night. “When I arrived to Muhlenberg I realized how important it was to commemorate this event; there was no previous programming to learn about Kristallnacht, and I hope the anniversary commemoration continues after I graduate. It is not just about the details of the event, but how we can work together as a community to better the world. It is relatable to so many other global ongoings and is a point to start conversation,” said Magaliff. It is important to look back on this day each year on the anniversary of Kristallnacht and commemorate the night that shattered so many Jewish Lives; it is a day that should never be forgotten not only by the Jews, but people of other religions as well.