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Drinks industry unites against antisemitism
The Spirit of Tolerance Council, which unifies leaders from the beer, wine and spirits industries, has pledged to support an upcoming exhibition at New York’s Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.
Opening on 30 June, The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do is a 12,000-square-foot presentation of Holocaust history revealing what happens when hate and bigotry ‘go unchecked’.
The ‘monumental’ exhibition features more than 750 treasured personal belongings, testimonies, photos, and film – many on view for the first time and curated largely from the museum’s ‘renowned’ permanent collection.
Support from The Spirit of Tolerance Council enables the Museum to fulfil its mission of Holocaust education and remembrance through the exhibition, and through vital initiatives that engage both in-person and virtual audiences.
“Amid an alarming rise in antisemitism, there is an urgent need for action,” said Simon Bergson, president of Manhattan Beer Distributors and a child of Holocaust survivors. “The Museum of Jewish Heritage is a trusted resource and beacon to many, and we at Spirit of Tolerance are moved to help further the Museum’s mission to combat hatred in all its forms through education and remembrance.
“It is incumbent upon all of us to prevent the darkest chapters of our history from repeating. We must learn and teach others, and respect others, working always to foster cultural understanding.”
Herman Hochberg, former owner of Queens Wines and Liquors, added: “Six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. This Museum and its new exhibition present a powerful platform of testimony for survivors and their families and keep alive the legacy of those who were killed. We make this contribution to ensure “never again” is not just a hope but a reality.”
Members of The Spirit of Tolerance Council include sponsors Carlos and Malú Alvarez, Stefany and Simon Bergson, Manhattan Beer Distributors, Breakthru Beverage, Campari America, Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman, Constellation Brands, Maryanne and Dominic Origlio, Pete and Marilyn Coors, Herman Hochberg, and Morton Sloan.
“We are humbled to aid the pursuit of preserving and protecting these invaluable relics of Jewish cultural heritage,” said Ugo Fiorenzo, managing director of Campari America. “With antisemitism and other forms of hate on the rise, the lessons of the Holocaust are timelier than ever.
“As a company with deep, entrenched roots in arts, culture, and education, we recognise the importance of ensuring future generations have access to the documents, photographs and artefacts detailing the painful history of the Holocaust. We are honoured to help forward this mission any way we can.”
Jack Kliger, museum president and CEO, added: “We are honoured to receive this support and thank The Spirit of Tolerance Council for its extraordinary efforts and generous contributions. We look forward to welcoming visitors back into our core galleries, where we know they will be deeply moved and inspired.”
The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do arrives at the museum on the heels of the award-winning and widely acclaimed exhibition Auschwitz. Not Long ago. Not far away, which concluded last spring.
Tickets will be free to Holocaust survivors, active members of the military, first responders, children under 12 and NYC DOE K-12 students. Tickets for seniors, students and veterans will be priced at US$12, and adult tickets will cost US$18.