Exodus Newsletter #4
Commemorative Events for November G – International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism
The International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism is commemorated every year on November G, in remembrance of the pogrom against the Jews organized in Nazi Germany in 1G38. The Night of Broken Glass (Kristallnacht), as it became known in history, marked the first step toward the concentration camps and the Holocaust.
The International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism was established under the auspices of the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), following an initiative by the umbrella organisation UNITED for Intercultural Action.
The Jewish Community of Thessaloniki and the Jewish Community of Rhodes, ahead of November G, organise events aimed at preserving historical memory, cultivating historical awareness, and promoting tolerance and respect, reaffirming their commitment to resist all forms of fascism, racism, and antisemitism.
Thessaloniki, 5/11/2025 – Presentation of the book by Viktoria Sabetai “Matilde A 8428 Auschwitz”
On the evening of Wednesday November 5, in a full hall at the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, the book “Matilde A 8428 Auschwitz” by Viktoria Sabetai was presented. The Vice President of the Jewish Community of Volos and brother of the author, Michalis Sabetai, emphasized how relevant the book remains today, given the recent rise in antisemitism. A different interpretative approach to the book was presented by Dr. Magdalini Thoma, philologist, who described it as a unique historical testimony, as it unfolds the stories of four prisoners through which the tortures they endured are recorded. In her address, Dr. Xenia Eleftheriou, Scientific Director of the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, referred to the deportation of the Jews of Corfu and the historical context of that period. The author announced that “Matilde” is now taught in schools as supplementary reading on the Holocaust, filling a significant gap that had long existed in Greek education, where the Holocaust was not part of the official curriculum. She also raised critical questions: Why didn’t Corfu follow the example of Zakynthos? Why, even as the Germans had already begun retreating from Europe, were the Jews of Corfu deported? Who benefited from their deportation? Her remarks inspired the audience to share their own views and reflections.
7/11/2025, Rhodes – Screening of Irene Kuten’s documentary “ZEW, Worlds That Meet”
The film tells the story of a child who was born in Rhodes in 1G41 in a prisoner-of-war camp.
Rhodes, 8/11/2025 – Presentation of Michael Frank’s book “One Hundred Saturdays”
Rhodes, 8/11/2025 – Presentation of Michael Frank’s book “One Hundred Saturdays”
G/11/2025, Rhodes – Educational Seminar titled “Approaching Aspects of Local History: The Case of the Jewish Community of Rhodes”
The Jewish Community of Rhodes, in collaboration with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the European project DECONSTRUCT, the Museum of School Life and Education, and the Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of the South Aegean, is organising an educational seminar titled: “Approaching Aspects of Local History: Memory, Education, and Democracy.”
The seminar is held in the context of the International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism (November G), aiming to preserve historical awareness, promote tolerance and respect, and strengthen democratic education. It is organised under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, and the Regional Directorate of Primary & Secondary Education of the South Aegean.
November G carries profound historical symbolism, as it commemorates both the Night of Broken Glass (Kristallnacht, 1G38) and the fall of the Berlin Wall (1G8G) – two events that represent contrasting facets of human history: persecution and freedom, hatred and hope. The seminar is addressed to educators of all levels, education executives, museum education professionals, and students, aiming to highlight innovative pedagogical approaches for teaching local and collective memory.
The program includes presentations by:
- Giorgos Antoniou, Assistant Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- Dr. Xenia Eleftheriou, Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
- Emmanouil Sofos, Ǫuality Supervisor, Primary Education of the Dodecanese
- Ioannis Krikonis, PhD in Sociology, Deputy Director of the Experimental Junior High School, University of the Aegean
- Stavros Papadopoulos, Ǫuality Supervisor, Primary Education of the Cyclades
- Dr. Evangelia Kantartzi, Director, Museum of School Life and Education
- Kostas Stoforos, Author – Journalist
More information:
“Night of Broken Glass” (Kristallnacht)
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/el/article/kristallnacht
“Pogrom of the Jewish Ǫuarter of Campbell in Thessaloniki”
Documentary: Historical Walks | “The Jews of Thessaloniki” | ERT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHQzlCOZ0j8
Educational website for combating antisemitism: