
On the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day a spectacular concert took place in Minsk at the Philharmonic Hall, an initiative of Anya Lenkova, Creative Director and musician. The concert, aptly titled ‘Yellow Stars’, was a dedication to Holocaust Remembrance in Belarus and The Together Plan was a proud sponsor.
Representatives from the Belarusian Jewish community were in attendance, as were many Ambassadors and representatives from the Belarus Ministry. Co-founders of The Together Plan, Artur Livshyts and Debra Brunner, were invited to escort the Minsk Ghetto survivors to the stage, each of whom gave a moving address. Artur Livshyts was also invited to make a short address:
“On the day of memory of Holocaust victims . . . From the Minsk Ghetto alive in Minsk today, there are only 12 people left. Everyone has their own story, their own pain, but it is important that they are with us. Every year, January 27, brings them back to their childhood, the time when every day was a struggle for existence, and the gift in this fight was life!”
A talented orchestra accompanied by superb soloists delivered deeply moving performances and the concert was accompanied by an exhibition of some of the survivors, many of whom we knew and have now sadly passed. It was an important and thoughtfully devised event, honouring brave survivors whose harrowing stories must continue to be told year on year.