House debates

Monday, 9 November 2020

Statements by Members

Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre

4:34 pm

Photo of Steve GeorganasSteve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Today the Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre is being officially opened in my electorate of Adelaide. It's the culmination of decades of hard work by the Jewish community, in particular Andrew Steiner OAM. Andrew Steiner is a Holocaust survivor, and has spent his life educating students about this tragic period in history. It's fitting that the launch is taking place today, on the anniversary of Kristallnacht or, in English, 'Night of Broken Glass', which occurred between 9 and 10 November 1938 when Nazis torched synagogues; vandalised Jewish businesses, schools and homes; and killed close to 100 Jewish people.

The museum will serve as a reminder of those atrocities, which should never be repeated, by the Nazi regime. This is more important than ever, given the rise in anti-Semitism, racism and hate speech that we are witnessing around the world today. The museum stands as a reminder that we all have a role in ensuring that it never ever happens again.

I sincerely congratulate all those involved in making this museum a reality, including Greg Mackie, the CEO of the History Trust of South Australia; the Catholic Archdiocese; principal and foundation partner, Gandel Philanthropy; the Jewish Community Council of South Australia; Sue Drenth, who oversaw the development phase; and, of course, Andrew Steiner OAM, and the museum's board.