Kristallnacht, also referred as the “Night of Broken Glass,” occurred on November 9th and 10th in 1938, marking a fundamentally dark period in Jewish history.
During these brutal nights, Nazi forces and their supporters unleashed violence against Jewish communities across Germany and Austria, destroying synagogues, homes, and businesses while arresting thousands of Jewish people. The shattered glass of those nights will historically stand as the beginning of the Holocaust.
Remembering Kristallnacht is essential for several reasons. First, it underscores the dangers of unwarranted hatred, discrimination, and universal violence. When people ignore the warning signs of hate, whether rooted in religion, race, or ethnicity, the potential for atrocities rises. We must remember, despite the horrors of Kristallnacht, the event can be turned into an educational opportunity of how to deter and stand against bigotry and widespread violence.
Second, awareness of Kristallnacht fosters empathy and vigilance. It encourages each generation to question actions or policies that marginalize and divide communities. Recognizing prejudice can help us prevent discrimination today, inspiring us to defend the rights of all people.
Years ago, I traveled with Myra to Germany where Kristallnacht took place; a powerful and moving experience providing us a deeper understanding of the ripple effects of hate. As a rabbi, my travel to Germany was integral as I became the voice to share the reality of animosity, a dark trait that moves too fast.
Learning and teaching the incidents of Kristallnacht serves as a reminder that societies must actively protect their values of freedom, justice, and respect for each person regardless of faith, culture and background. I may be Jewish but any person of any race and background has the power to advocate for the ethical treatment of all people.
Reflecting on Kristallnacht, today, in a time when events are eerily similar, becomes a call to action to fight for humanity. By reflecting on the past, we can learn to reject hatred and embrace inclusivity, tolerance and respect of our shared civilization.
One does not need to be a rabbi to ensure such change, for it starts with your own voice. Positive change can derive from the goodness of your acts while suppressing acts of hate. Together, let us bring back the warmth and kindness our world so desperately needs.
Rabbi Merle E. Singer
