Dr. Michael Berenbaum speaking at the opening of the exhibition “The World Knew: Jan Karski’s Mission for Humanity” at the East Tennessee History Center (Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Holocaust Commission)
Karski Exhibition Presentation in Knoxville
An exhibit that attracts a thousand visitors in a four-week run is truly a success and a privilege to host. From April 5-May 5, the Tennessee Holocaust Commission partnered with the Jan Karski Educational Foundation to bring to Knoxville the traveling exhibition “The World Knew: Jan Karski’s Mission for Humanity.” Twenty-two panels exploring Karski’s life were featured at the historic East Tennessee History Center—an award-winning museum and research center situated in Knoxville’s historic downtown.
Vice President and Education Coordinator of the East Tennessee History Society, Lisa Oakley, said the exhibit profoundly affected the museum’s visitors. “The powerful exhibition engaged our community with Jan Karski’s story and legacy. We are grateful for the opportunity to host the exhibition and partner with such esteemed organizations.”
The exhibition officially launched on April 9 with a featured keynote presentation by renowned Holocaust scholar Dr. Michael Berenbaum (see link below). His stirring address wove stories of his close friendship with Karski into the story of Karski’s mission to deliver news of the destruction of Europe’s Jews to Western leaders. For Social Studies teacher Julie Kinder, Professor Berenbaum’s presentation underscored an essential point about Karski’s legacy—he was a man whose unparalleled moral courage and choices correctly earned him the status of “Humanity’s hero.” Karski’s story also affected Pastor Andrew Abraham, who shared, “After hearing so many amazing stories, I immediately went home and began researching Jan Karski. I hope others will have the opportunity to attend similar presentations.” For social worker Hanna Jones, Karski’s story hit close to home. During World War II, her family was displaced from their home in Poland, and her great-grandfather served in the Polish underground. Said Jones, “Dr. Berenbaum’s address provided a testimony not only of what Jan Karski did, but who he was. I was largely unfamiliar with Karski’s story before. But I am a better person for hearing it.” Karski’s story is intimately familiar to lifelong politician and former ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe, who met Jan Karski while serving in Washington. Ashe said, “I wish more people could have heard Professor Berenbaum so this event in world history remains alive for all to hear.” The evening concluded with a reception, and attendees received a special program that provided information on how to view the dramatic Karski film Remember This.
Visitors experienced a second opportunity to engage with the exhibit two weeks later when the Commission and Knoxville Jewish Alliance commemorated Yom HaShoah. The exhibition remained a pivotal part of the commemoration that visitors toured before and after the evening’s keynote speaker, Rabbi Mark Schiftan, son of a Holocaust survivor. Dr. Alan Steinberg said of the evening, “It was so very special to hear from the Chair of the Commission, Rabbi Mark Schiftan. We learned of his parents’ resilience and strength and the hopes that they carried in their hearts for a future unmarred by such horrors. It was an inspiring evening.” For retired high school teacher Cindy Monroe, the exhibition’s power resides in its ability to provoke the question: What would I have done?
“Roosevelt and many leaders were skeptical about Karski’s reports that the Nazis would attempt to murder an entire nation,” she said. “It really would be hard to fathom unless you saw it yourself.”
The exhibition united organizations and audiences throughout Knoxville and encouraged further partnerships to promote Holocaust education. Its success is best measured by the fact that Karski’s story reached diverse and often young audiences—a point recognized by Karski biographer Tom Wood.
“I think the Professor would be surprised at how urgently Americans and others in the twenty-first century need to know of his example. I appreciate the work of the Jan Karski Educational Foundation and the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. These organizations have worked valiantly to carry on Karski’s mission by reaching new generations of learners.”
Alison Vick, Historian-Program Coordinator at Tennessee Holocaust Commission
Dr. Michael Berenbaum’s talk at the opening of the Karski exhibition in Knoxville, TN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt0EDqulgec
