SHU Observes 85th Anniversary of Kristallnacht

Rabbi Herbert N. Brockman encourages audience to show love, kindness; stand up to hate

Sacred Heart University students, faculty and staff gathered at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit recently to observe the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass.”

Kristallnacht was a pre-WWII act of aggression perpetrated by Germany’s Nazi paramilitary, the Hitler Youth and German citizens. The violence took place Nov. 9 and 10, 1938, when the Nazis vandalized and destroyed synagogues and Jewish businesses. Jewish people were hurt and killed, and thousands were arrested and sent to concentration camps. This marked the beginning of the Holocaust.

This year’s 12th annual observation at SHU was sponsored by the Human Journey colloquia series, the Chaverim Yehudim (Jewish Club) and the office of mission integration, ministry & community engagement.

SHU President John J. Petillo told those gathered, “We cannot remain silent in the face of stereotypes and propaganda. We need to recognize that the lessons of the past still teach us. They let us remember that on our own personal journey, ordinary people, the righteous, can muster the courage, can stand in the face of hatred and bigotry wherever and whenever it surfaces.”

Guest speaker Herbert N. Brockman, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, thanked guests for coming and said he was grateful for their presence. Brockman said he also appreciated the University for continuing to remember Kristallnacht. “Sacred Heart holding this annual event means more than you may know. Your presence is a great gift, and I did not want to miss this,” Brockman said.

He reflected on the current state of the world, specifically the Israel-Palestine conflict and the thousands of lives being lost. “Being here today, I’m reminded of what Pope Francis said: ‘War solves no problems. It only sows death and destruction. It increases hatred. It multiplies revenge. War erases the future. I urge all believers to take only one side. The side of peace.’”

Brockman said some will argue that people must take a side, but he said the lessons from the past are a warning for the future. He described the hate and destruction that occurred during Kristallnacht and the Holocaust and said the same violence is taking place today.

The rabbi told his listeners they play an important role when they stand against unjust events and “act with love and kindness.”

Pictured: Students Jenna Chernick and Lauren Storm light candles in remembrance during the Kristallnacht commemoration.