Tomorrow marks the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the organized anti-Jewish riots that took place in Germany and Austria Nov. 9 and 10, 1938 under Nazi occupation.
In remembrance of these events the Hillel Center, in conjunction with Ethnic Student Services, Hotep-Shalom and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services, has organized an event to raise awareness of hate crimes.
“This is in commemoration of Kristallnacht, the prelude to the Holocaust and the worst hate crimes in the Jewish community,” said Jessica Elkan, program associate and Hillel advisor for Holocaust awareness.
The event will take place in the Ohio Union tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be displays to address different hate crime issues.
“We’re going to be handing out literature about hate crimes and the prevention of hate crimes,” said Brett Beemyn, coordinator of GLBT Student Services.
This event will not just address hate crimes against the Jewish community but against all people.
“This is an awareness campaign to get the issue out. We wanted to make it more community based, in commemoration of other hate crimes,” said Elkan. “Anybody can be a victim.”
Elkan said she hopes this event brings younger generations in touch with what happened in Germany and Austria in 1938 as well as what happens now.
“A lot of people feel separated from Kristallnacht because it’s not our generation. But that kind of ignorance and hatred still goes on,” said Elkan.
This event is also important for GLBT Student Services.
“I think this kind of event is very important. Many students are not aware of how prevalent hate crimes have become. It’s a chance to expand and have a broader vision of those affected by hate,” said Beemyn.
Elkan said she hopes this event helps raise awareness and educate people about hate crimes.
